ALTA (the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association) commends and congratulates the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and its member states on the adoption of the historic aviation climate agreement known as the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The CORSIA agreement, reached by 191 ICAO member states during the 39th ICAO Assembly, took place in Montreal, Canada on October 6, 2017. This global market-based measure is another step forward in the industry"™s ongoing environmental initiatives and marks the world"™s first carbon offset scheme for any global sector.
"This is truly a historic moment for the aviation industry and the environment made possible through the proactive and collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders and governments. We thank ICAO and member states in taking this important measure," said ALTA"™s Executive Director Eduardo Iglesias. "This is another key step as part of an overall comprehensive plan in addressing the industry"™s contribution to the environment and climate change that should be celebrated. Airlines in the Latin America and Caribbean region have made great strides on the technological front, including renewing their fleet. Today the region has one of the youngest fleets in the world. In addition, ALTA"™s affiliate members, including aircraft and engine manufacturers, continue investing in research and development."
CORSIA supplements the industry"™s full-spectrum of initiatives and measures to reduce CO2 emissions, which also includes technological, operational, infrastructure, as well as sustainable alternative fuels.
"As we focus on the next step of effectively implementing CORSIA, we call on governments to join us in a united effort and to do their part investing in the necessary infrastructure and setting the right framework to develop sustainable alternative fuels in the region," added Iglesias. "ALTA and our members remain readily available to collaborate with governments in the implementation of all measures to reduce aviation"™s carbon footprint in the region, including the CORSIA."
