JAL, Climeworks sign world’s first CORSIA-compliant carbon removal deal

21 / 09 / 2026

By Marwa Nassar - -

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Climeworks Solutions have signed the world’s first purchase agreement for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits designed to meet the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

The agreement marks a milestone for aviation’s use of carbon removals in compliance markets, with the companies seeking to establish demand for CORSIA-compliant removals as the sector works toward long-term decarbonization.

JAL expands carbon removal strategy:

The partnership builds on JAL’s commitment to CORSIA and high-quality carbon removals, which are expected to help address residual emissions that cannot be eliminated through emissions reductions alone.

The airline is also pursuing aircraft renewal, operational improvements and the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as part of its broader decarbonization efforts.

JAL was among the early supporters of CORSIA and became one of the first airlines to retire large-scale CORSIA-eligible credits. The new agreement extends those efforts to carbon dioxide removal.

“As the first airline to secure CORSIA-compliant carbon removals, we are proud to lead the industry toward net-zero emissions,” said Noriko Ogawa, Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Sustainability Promotion Committee at JAL.

“While reducing emissions through aircraft renewal, operational innovations and the use of SAF remains our top priority, high-integrity carbon removals are essential to address residual emissions,” Ogawa said. “Through this pioneering partnership with Climeworks, we aim to accelerate the adoption of high-quality solutions across international aviation and contribute to a sustainable future for air travel.”

Portfolio includes nature-based,engineered removals:

The portfolio sourced by Climeworks Solutions will include carbon removal pathways selected to meet ICAO’s requirements for CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs), including soil carbon sequestration and biochar.

JAL will also purchase Climeworks’ Direct Air Capture (DAC) credits, supporting both carbon removal solutions currently available and the longer-term development of engineered carbon removal technologies.

“This agreement with JAL represents an important milestone not only for aviation, but for the wider carbon removal industry,” said Adrian Siegrist, Chief Commercial Officer at Climeworks.

Earlier this year, Climeworks Solutions expanded its offering to help organizations procure carbon removal portfolios aligned with emerging compliance frameworks, including CORSIA, Siegrist said, adding that the agreement demonstrates the growing role of carbon removal in compliance markets.