Climeworks, Japan Airlines (JAL) sign ‘first’ CORSIA-compliant carbon removal deal

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Carbon Credits or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed an agreement with Climeworks Solutions that the companies describe as the first carbon-removal purchase designed to meet CORSIA requirements
• The deal combines a portfolio of removal methods, including soil carbon and biochar, with separate direct-air-capture credits from Climeworks

🔭 The context: The financial value and volume of the agreement were not disclosed, and the announcement does not indicate that specific credits have already been cancelled against a CORSIA obligation
• CORSIA’s second phase begins in 2027, potentially increasing demand for eligible emissions units as international airlines address emissions that remain after efficiency measures and sustainable aviation fuel

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Carbon removals can help address aviation emissions that are difficult to eliminate through aircraft efficiency, operational changes and SAF
• Their climate value depends on robust measurement, permanence and lifecycle emissions, while removals do not replace the need to reduce aviation emissions at source

⏭️ What’s next: JAL and Climeworks will need to develop the portfolio within CORSIA’s eligibility framework, while the sector prepares for the scheme’s second phase
• The deal could provide a model for airlines seeking removal projects that satisfy specific compliance requirements rather than relying solely on voluntary-market credits

💬 One quote: “As the first airline to secure CORSIA-compliant carbon removals, we are proud to lead the industry toward net-zero emissions.” — Noriko Ogawa, Executive Officer and Chairperson, JAL.

📈 One stat: CORSIA’s second phase begins in 2027, running through 2035.

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