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Will an aircraft operator have to offset emissions if its own emissions did not grow?

CORSIA applies a dynamic approach in its offsetting requirements calculation. It introduces “sectoral rate” and "individual rate”.
 
The sectoral rate represents the growth of emissions in the whole sector of international aviation (routes covered by CORSIA only) and the individual rate represents the growth of emissions of the aircraft operator himself.
 
The sectoral and individual rates will move as follows:
  • 2021-2029 – 100% sectoral rate and 0% individual rate
  • 2030-2032 – at least 20% of individual rate
  • 2033-2035 – at least 70% of individual rate
What is clear now is that until 2029, all airlines covered in the scheme will calculate their offsetting requirements based on the same rate because until 2029 the 100% sectoral rate will apply. The sectoral approach favours fast-growing airlines in emerging markets over mature, slower-growth airlines, but does not reward individual airline environmental performance. From 2030, a share of the individual rate will be introduced, which will encourage airlines to invest in cutting their own emissions rather than paying for offsets in other sectors. However, it is not clear now whether a 100% individual rate will apply at the end of the scheme; for now, the wording states “at least 70%”.
 
Aircraft operators who will introduce their own emission-cutting initiatives may therefore not profit from them until 2030 and even after this date, they will have to partly participate in offsetting the emission growth throughout the sector of international aviation. Back to all F.A.Q.