IATA and Industry Partners Call for Strengthened Global Cooperation on Aviation Climate Action

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), alongside governments and major aviation industry partners, has issued a joint statement at COP30 urging stronger global cooperation on aviation climate action. Key Points from the Statement:

ICAO’s Central Role:
- Reaffirms the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as the sole global authority for regulating international aviation emissions.
- Warns against fragmented or unilateral measures that could weaken climate progress.

Strengthening CORSIA:
- Calls for robust implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
- Airlines expected to purchase 200 million credits (USD 4–5 billion) in the first phase (2024–26).
- By 2035, nearly 2 billion credits could be offset, funding verified emission-reduction projects, especially in developing nations.

Operationalizing Article 6:
- Urges host countries to enable CORSIA-Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) through Letters of Authorization.
- Seen as essential to mobilize international climate finance and support sustainable development.

Taxes & Levies Not Effective:
- Warns that ticket taxes and unilateral levies risk diverting funds away from real emission-reduction investments.
- Could disproportionately harm connectivity for developing economies and Small Island States.

Signatories:
- Governments of Japan and Malaysia
- Regional and global aviation associations including Airlines for Europe (A4E), Airports Council International (ACI), Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), and others.

Why It Matters
This statement underscores aviation’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, emphasizing:
- Unified global action through ICAO.
- Scaled-up climate finance via carbon markets.
- Avoidance of fragmented policies that undermine progress.