CORSIA 101: What airlines need to know before 2027
The aviation industry is changing, and at the heart of this transformation is the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). If you’re in operations, sustainability, or fleet management, understanding CORSIA isn’t just a good idea—it’s a must. With mandatory compliance starting in 2027, the time to act is now.
In this blog, we cover:
- What CORSIA is and why it matter
- Who’s affected and the risks of non-compliance
- How Cost Index Optimization for Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro can help you stay ahead and save
What is CORSIA?
CORSIA is a global initiative set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)—a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on the safety, planning, growth and coordination of international air travel through principles and techniques. Adopted in October 2016, CORSIA is aimed at reducing aviation emissions and achieving carbon-neutral growth.
Here’s what you need to know about CORSIA:
- Participation is voluntary and includes over 110 participating states (countries)
- Participating states must measure, report and verify emissions annually
- Airlines are required to offset emissions that exceed the baseline set in 2019
- Participating organizations are expected to use sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) or purchase carbon offsets
Right now, CORSIA applies to airlines flying internationally with emissions over 10,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually—accounting for 60% of global international flight emissions. By 2027, the program will expand to nearly 85%, including major markets like China, Brazil and India.
Why you need to act now
The deadline is approaching fast: The 2027 deadline isn’t far off. Preparing for CORSIA compliance takes time and delaying means scrambling at the last minute or risking non-compliance.
Non-compliance will cost you: The consequences of failing to comply with CORSIA are significant, with repercussions varying:
- Carbon offsetting costs: Expect offset prices to increase as demand rises. If you exceed your baseline emissions, your airline will need to buy more carbon offsets.
- Penalties: Non-compliance could lead to significant fines, fees from local governments or regulators, or potential operational restrictions.
- Reputation risks: Today’s travelers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability with 83% of travelers globally believing sustainable travel is important. Falling short could hurt your brand.
There’s no end in sight to fuel volatility and SAF costs: Fuel makes up around 30% of airline operating costs, and SAF is 3–10 times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. Waiting for fuel prices or SAF costs to stabilize could mean falling behind on compliance and losing ground in the competitive market.
How to prepare for and mitigate risks
To stay ahead, you’ll need a clear, proactive approach. Here’s how:
1. Optimize fuel efficiency
With fuel being one of your biggest controllable expenses, fuel efficiency tools like Cost Index Optimization for FliteDeck Pro can be a game changer when it comes to optimizing fuel efficiency. Here’s how it works:
- Pilots receive tail-specific, real-time recommendations for optimal fuel efficiency
- Airlines see 1–2% fuel burn reduction per plane, per flight during the cruise phase
- Operations become less reliant on costly carbon offsets or volatile fuel prices
For example, Virgin Atlantic saved 1.7% in fuel consumption across its Boeing 787 fleet with the Cost Index Optimization technology in Jeppesen FliteDeck Advisor, cutting 1,900 kg of CO₂ per flight.
2. Build a carbon strategy
Getting started now with a solid carbon reduction plan can make your operations more resilient and adaptable to future carbon reduction and sustainability initiatives. Key steps to kickstarting a strategy include:
- Identifying high-emission flights
- Prioritizing SAF adoption where possible
- Partnering with verified emissions programs to reduce offset costs
3. Train your team for compliance
Your pilots and operations teams will be at the heart of this shift. The most immediate impact your team can make to fuel efficiency starts on the flight deck, so it’s important they’re equipped with the right tools:
- Train pilots to use Cost Index Optimization for real-time, actionable insights
- Implement sustainability-focused training for operations staff
4. Invest early in digital tools
Tools like Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, saving you time and money. Not only will it help you stay compliant with CORSIA, you’ll reduce your operation’s environmental footprint beyond fuel consumption and carbon emissions by reducing your reliance on paper-based briefings.
5. Use reporting tools to stay compliant
Hand-in-hand with your investment in new digital tools is ensuring your team has access to accurate reporting tools. Use tools like Emissions Reporter to avoid costly errors and ensure compliance.
Why acting now is critical
CORSIA isn’t just another regulatory hurdle—it’s an opportunity to future-proof your airline, reduce operating costs and lead in sustainable aviation. Airlines that are proactive in complying with CORSIA not only minimize disruptions when it becomes mandatory, but they situate their operations to be resilient and scalable with future sustainability initiatives.
With the right tools like Cost Index Optimization for FliteDeck Pro, you can reduce fuel burn, lower emissions and meet emissions limits more easily while also realizing potential savings, like:
- Long-haul (Boeing 787-900): Save up to $246,279 annually on fuel
- Short-haul (Boeing 737-900): Save up to $99,283 annually
Don’t wait until the deadline is looming. Get ahead of CORSIA now and ensure your airline thrives in the evolving market. Contact us today to learn how integrated FliteDeck Pro tools can help you achieve your sustainability goals while cutting operating costs.
You might also be interested in: How to prepare for CORSIA: A 5-step guide for airline operators
The aviation industry is changing, and at the heart of this transformation is the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). If you’re in operations, sustainability, or fleet management, understanding CORSIA isn’t just a good idea—it’s a must. With mandatory compliance starting in 2027, the time to act is now.
In this blog, we cover:
- What CORSIA is and why it matter
- Who’s affected and the risks of non-compliance
- How Cost Index Optimization for Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro can help you stay ahead and save
What is CORSIA?
CORSIA is a global initiative set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)—a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on the safety, planning, growth and coordination of international air travel through principles and techniques. Adopted in October 2016, CORSIA is aimed at reducing aviation emissions and achieving carbon-neutral growth.
Here’s what you need to know about CORSIA:
- Participation is voluntary and includes over 110 participating states (countries)
- Participating states must measure, report and verify emissions annually
- Airlines are required to offset emissions that exceed the baseline set in 2019
- Participating organizations are expected to use sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) or purchase carbon offsets
Right now, CORSIA applies to airlines flying internationally with emissions over 10,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually—accounting for 60% of global international flight emissions. By 2027, the program will expand to nearly 85%, including major markets like China, Brazil and India.
Why you need to act now
The deadline is approaching fast: The 2027 deadline isn’t far off. Preparing for CORSIA compliance takes time and delaying means scrambling at the last minute or risking non-compliance.
Non-compliance will cost you: The consequences of failing to comply with CORSIA are significant, with repercussions varying:
- Carbon offsetting costs: Expect offset prices to increase as demand rises. If you exceed your baseline emissions, your airline will need to buy more carbon offsets.
- Penalties: Non-compliance could lead to significant fines, fees from local governments or regulators, or potential operational restrictions.
- Reputation risks: Today’s travelers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability with 83% of travelers globally believing sustainable travel is important. Falling short could hurt your brand.
There’s no end in sight to fuel volatility and SAF costs: Fuel makes up around 30% of airline operating costs, and SAF is 3–10 times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. Waiting for fuel prices or SAF costs to stabilize could mean falling behind on compliance and losing ground in the competitive market.
How to prepare for and mitigate risks
To stay ahead, you’ll need a clear, proactive approach. Here’s how:
1. Optimize fuel efficiency
With fuel being one of your biggest controllable expenses, fuel efficiency tools like Cost Index Optimization for FliteDeck Pro can be a game changer when it comes to optimizing fuel efficiency. Here’s how it works:
- Pilots receive tail-specific, real-time recommendations for optimal fuel efficiency
- Airlines see 1–2% fuel burn reduction per plane, per flight during the cruise phase
- Operations become less reliant on costly carbon offsets or volatile fuel prices
For example, Virgin Atlantic saved 1.7% in fuel consumption across its Boeing 787 fleet with the Cost Index Optimization technology in Jeppesen FliteDeck Advisor, cutting 1,900 kg of CO₂ per flight.
2. Build a carbon strategy
Getting started now with a solid carbon reduction plan can make your operations more resilient and adaptable to future carbon reduction and sustainability initiatives. Key steps to kickstarting a strategy include:
- Identifying high-emission flights
- Prioritizing SAF adoption where possible
- Partnering with verified emissions programs to reduce offset costs
3. Train your team for compliance
Your pilots and operations teams will be at the heart of this shift. The most immediate impact your team can make to fuel efficiency starts on the flight deck, so it’s important they’re equipped with the right tools:
- Train pilots to use Cost Index Optimization for real-time, actionable insights
- Implement sustainability-focused training for operations staff
4. Invest early in digital tools
Tools like Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, saving you time and money. Not only will it help you stay compliant with CORSIA, you’ll reduce your operation’s environmental footprint beyond fuel consumption and carbon emissions by reducing your reliance on paper-based briefings.
5. Use reporting tools to stay compliant
Hand-in-hand with your investment in new digital tools is ensuring your team has access to accurate reporting tools. Use tools like Emissions Reporter to avoid costly errors and ensure compliance.
Why acting now is critical
CORSIA isn’t just another regulatory hurdle—it’s an opportunity to future-proof your airline, reduce operating costs and lead in sustainable aviation. Airlines that are proactive in complying with CORSIA not only minimize disruptions when it becomes mandatory, but they situate their operations to be resilient and scalable with future sustainability initiatives.
With the right tools like Cost Index Optimization for FliteDeck Pro, you can reduce fuel burn, lower emissions and meet emissions limits more easily while also realizing potential savings, like:
- Long-haul (Boeing 787-900): Save up to $246,279 annually on fuel
- Short-haul (Boeing 737-900): Save up to $99,283 annually
Don’t wait until the deadline is looming. Get ahead of CORSIA now and ensure your airline thrives in the evolving market. Contact us today to learn how integrated FliteDeck Pro tools can help you achieve your sustainability goals while cutting operating costs.
You might also be interested in: How to prepare for CORSIA: A 5-step guide for airline operators