Turn CORSIA complexity into your competitive edge
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The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is the first global market-based scheme designed for a single sector. Developed in 2016, the scheme has been voluntary for participating countries since 2021. In 2027, participation becomes mandatory.
As we move from Phase 1 to Phase 2, more countries are entering the system—129 are already participating voluntarily, and nearly all 193 ICAO member states will be required to comply by 2027. At the same time, the pool of eligible credits is shrinking. That makes compliance more complex—and strategic procurement more critical than ever.
The truth is simple: the risk of waiting—or acting late—is greater than the risk of engaging imperfectly. Here’s what you need to know about your procurement options, and why acting now sets you up for long-term leverage.
Secure options, not just credits
CORSIA credits are limited in their supply—and the market is complex. Preparing for compliance means more than securing enough high-quality credits. The real advantage comes from building optionality into your strategy.
Instead of relying on a single solution, it’s best to create a portfolio of credit options that gives you flexibility across credit types, registries, and delivery timelines. That flexibility puts you in control as rules and eligibility shift. Popular strategies include:
Multi-vintage offtake agreements (hedge against baselining)
Registry and project diversification (reduce exposure to program eligibility loss)
Dynamic sourcing pools that adjust to label updates or rule changes
Programmatic checks for corresponding adjustment (CA) requirements
Procurement structures matter too. Spot, forward, and options contracts each mitigate different risks, from eligibility changes to rebaselining scenarios. The goal is to cover your short-term needs now and set you up for long-term price and procurement security.
Spot contracts: Buy credits immediately at the current market price.
Forward contracts: Lock in a future delivery and price for credits today.
Options contracts: Secure the right (but not the obligation) to buy credits later at a set price.
Make resilience your first filter
With supply pressure rising, the temptation is to chase the lowest price. But when eligibility shifts, delivery lags, or CA proof falls through, cheap credits can quickly become expensive mistakes.
To avoid that, you need to evaluate credits through multi-dimensional risk filters like ICAO eligibility, registry integrity, proof of corresponding adjustment (CA), and delivery and reversal risk.
The priority is credits that can stand up to tomorrow’s scrutiny. In practice, that means screening for resilience against future rules, not only current ones. The smart move is to index on least regret, not lowest cost.
Shift from reaction to readiness
CORSIA compliance is on the horizon. To secure the best prices and positions, your team needs to act now—before deadlines compress the market.
That means integrating CORSIA sourcing into compliance, procurement, and sustainability functions, rather than treating it as a siloed purchase. Practical steps include:
Mapping flexibility needs: what can you lock in today, and where do you need room to maneuver?
Pressure-testing your pipeline: avoid scrambling if credits lose eligibility
Securing credits with clear CA documentation—not just labels
Planning strategic retirement windows well before regulatory deadlines protects against last minute price spikes
In many cases, it makes sense to create a dedicated CORSIA procurement track, distinct from voluntary or ESG programs. Because the market is so dynamic, it pays to have experts tracking its every move.
Lead the market, don’t chase it
CORSIA compliance is evolving fast, and the aviation industry can’t afford to wait. As Phase 2 approaches, now's the time to build a flexible, forward-looking procurement strategy that secures both price and eligibility. Whether it’s diversifying contracts, screening credits for resilience, or planning retirements ahead of deadlines, the actions you take today will define your position tomorrow.
Want to dive deeper? Join our webinar.
CORSIA Clarity in 45 Minutes: Eligible Credits, Verified Supply, Structured Strategy.
As we unpack Phase 2 of CORSIA, you'll learn how to navigate credit eligibility, manage compliance risk, and prepare your procurement strategy for what’s next.
November 6 at 16.00 CET.
Read our CORSIA Guidebook
Don’t act alone. Compliance is complex, but it doesn’t have to slow you down. Download our CORSIA Guidebook and start building your strategy with our CORSIA experts today.