Decarbonization of Aviation: Solutions, Strategies and the Path to Net-Zero for Business Aviation

Aviation decarbonization involves reducing carbon emissions through sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), improved aircraft technology, operational efficiency and emissions management. ICAO has adopted a long-term goal of net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050, while industry initiatives are supporting the transition through alternative fuels and new technologies.

For business aviation operators, decarbonization also involves regulatory compliance, fuel procurement and flight planning. Requirements vary according to aircraft operations, international routes and applicable environmental regulations.

This guide covers current decarbonization solutions, ICAO CORSIA and ReFuelEU Aviation requirements, and practical measures operators can incorporate into their flight operations.

Just Aviation supports these activities through aviation fuel coordination, ground handling and international trip support.

Key Takeaways

• What are the main solutions for aviation decarbonization?
• What are the current CORSIA baseline, phases and participation requirements?
• How does ReFuelEU Aviation affect business aviation operations?
• What are the benefits and operational limitations of SAF?
• What role do electric, hybrid and hydrogen technologies play?
• How can operators improve fuel efficiency and manage emissions?
• What options are available for corporate flight departments?
• How does Just Aviation support fuel and ground operations?

Aviation Decarbonization Targets and Regulatory Requirements

Aviation decarbonization involves both long-term industry targets and current regulatory requirements. Sustainable aviation fuel, aircraft technology, operational improvements and emissions management are important components of the transition.

IATA’s original net-zero roadmap estimated that SAF would account for approximately 65% of the required emissions reductions, with aircraft technology, operational improvements and carbon-related measures contributing the remainder. These projections depend on future technology development, fuel production and infrastructure investment. For international operators, CORSIA and ReFuelEU Aviation are two regulatory frameworks that require particular attention.

ICAO CORSIA: Baseline, Phases and Applicability

The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is ICAO’s global market-based mechanism for addressing CO₂ emissions from international aviation.

CORSIA has three implementation phases:

Phase	Period	Participation
Pilot Phase	2021–2023	Voluntary State participation in offsetting
First Phase	2024–2026	Voluntary State participation in offsetting
Second Phase	2027–2035	Participation criteria and exemptions apply

For 2024–2035, the CORSIA baseline is 85% of the covered international aviation CO₂ emissions from 2019. The Pilot Phase used 100% of covered 2019 emissions.

CORSIA offsetting obligations depend on the implementation phase, State participation, applicable international route coverage and relevant exemptions. During the Second Phase (2027–2035), State participation follows ICAO’s aviation-activity criteria and exemptions.

Monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) requirements are separate from offsetting obligations. CORSIA monitoring, reporting and verification requirements apply to qualifying aeroplane operators with annual international aviation CO₂ emissions exceeding 10,000 tonnes from aeroplanes with a maximum certificated take-off mass above 5,700 kg, subject to applicable exclusions.

Business aviation operators need to confirm their administering State, aircraft applicability, reporting obligations and covered international routes when assessing CORSIA compliance.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Requirements

ReFuelEU Aviation establishes minimum SAF supply requirements at covered EU airports, beginning at 2% in 2025 and increasing to 70% by 2050. The regulation also introduces minimum synthetic aviation fuel shares from 2030 and separate fuel uplift and reporting obligations for aircraft operators within its scope.

For business aviation, aircraft operator obligations depend on the regulation’s commercial flight activity thresholds and other applicability criteria. A minimum SAF supply requirement across covered airports does not establish the availability of a specific SAF quantity for an individual aircraft. Operators planning flights involving EU airports need to confirm applicable obligations and coordinate fuel supply arrangements with the relevant providers.

Minimum SAF Share by Year

The following chart compares the scheduled minimum SAF shares at selected regulatory milestones. The percentages apply to aviation fuel supply under ReFuelEU Aviation, rather than the SAF content of each individual uplift.

Source: European Commission, ReFuelEU Aviation

What Are the Main Aviation Decarbonization Solutions?

The aviation industry is developing several approaches to reduce emissions. Their suitability depends on aircraft type, operating range, infrastructure and technology readiness.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Sustainable aviation fuel is produced through approved processes using eligible feedstocks such as waste oils, biomass residues and synthetic fuel production pathways.

Depending on the feedstock and production method, SAF can achieve substantial lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions compared with conventional jet fuel. Certain pathways can achieve reductions of approximately 80%, although the actual benefit varies by fuel and lifecycle assessment.

Approved SAF blends can be used in compatible existing aircraft under the applicable fuel specifications. This makes SAF a practical decarbonization option for current business aviation fleets.

Operational considerations include:

• Approved fuel specifications and aircraft compatibility
• Airport-specific SAF availability
• Requested uplift quantity and delivery time
• Fuel pricing and commercial arrangements
• Sustainability documentation and emissions accounting

SAF supply remains uneven across airports. Operators planning to use SAF need to confirm the product and delivery arrangements for the specific flight.

Electric and Hybrid Propulsion

Electric propulsion uses battery-powered motors, while hybrid systems combine electric propulsion with another power source.

These technologies are being developed primarily for smaller aircraft and shorter-range applications. Battery energy density, aircraft weight, charging infrastructure, operating range and certification remain key limitations. Their suitability for business aviation depends on the aircraft’s approved performance and intended mission.

Hydrogen Propulsion

Hydrogen propulsion uses hydrogen combustion or fuel-cell systems to generate power. Its potential environmental benefits depend on hydrogen production methods and aircraft technology. Hydrogen combustion avoids direct CO₂ emissions from the fuel but can produce nitrogen oxides.

Storage requirements, airport infrastructure, fuel distribution and certification remain significant development challenges. Hydrogen propulsion is not currently a direct substitute for conventional long-range business jet operations.

Practical Decarbonization Measures for Business Aviation Operators

Existing aircraft operations offer opportunities to improve fuel efficiency and monitor emissions without waiting for new propulsion technologies.

Fuel Consumption and Emissions Monitoring

Accurate operational records help operators establish fuel consumption patterns and identify areas for improvement.

Relevant information includes aircraft fuel burn, flight hours, route performance, ground fuel consumption and emissions data. Comparing similar flights over time provides a more useful basis for evaluating operational changes than applying broad fuel-saving estimates across different aircraft.

Flight Planning and Operational Efficiency

Efficient flight and route planning can contribute to reduced fuel consumption through appropriate routing, cruise altitude selection and coordination of arrival and departure procedures. Weather, aircraft loading, air traffic restrictions and airport conditions also influence fuel use.

Operational improvements need to remain consistent with aircraft performance requirements and approved procedures. Flight planning, fuel calculations and operational decisions remain with the operator and pilot in command (PIC).

Ground Handling and Fuel Coordination

Ground operations also influence aircraft turnaround efficiency. Operators and ground service providers can coordinate parking, fuel delivery, ground power availability and handling services to reduce avoidable delays.

Where SAF is requested, coordination with the relevant supplier needs to cover the approved product, quantity, delivery arrangements, and supporting documentation. These activities form part of the wider ground support process rather than a separate guarantee of emissions reductions.

Corporate Air Travel Decarbonization Options

Corporate flight departments can incorporate decarbonization considerations into fuel procurement, fleet planning and emissions management.

SAF Procurement and Sustainability Documentation

Corporate operators can arrange SAF procurement for selected flights or through broader fuel supply agreements where suitable products are available. Fuel purchase documentation, sustainability certification and lifecycle emissions information are relevant when reporting environmental performance.

For SAF-related claims, operators need to distinguish physical fuel uplift from other accounting arrangements, including certificate-based systems.

Carbon Offsetting and CORSIA Compliance

Carbon offsetting addresses emissions through the purchase and retirement of qualifying emissions units. Under CORSIA, operators with offsetting obligations need to use emissions units that meet ICAO’s eligibility requirements for the applicable compliance period.

Voluntary carbon offsetting programs are separate from mandatory CORSIA obligations. Purchasing voluntary credits does not automatically establish regulatory compliance or carbon neutrality. Operators need to review the relevant verification, eligibility and accounting requirements before making emissions-related claims.

Fleet Modernization

Fleet renewal provides an opportunity to assess improvements in fuel efficiency and aircraft performance. Fuel savings depend on the aircraft models being compared, their operating profiles and mission requirements. Flight departments can evaluate fuel consumption alongside range, payload, acquisition cost and operational suitability when considering newer aircraft.

How Just Aviation Supports Business Aviation Decarbonization

Just Aviation coordinates aviation fuel, ground handling and trip support services for business aviation operators worldwide.

For flights involving SAF procurement or operational efficiency considerations, support includes:

• SAF coordination: Liaising with fuel suppliers to confirm requested products, availability and delivery arrangements.
• Aviation fuel services: Coordinating fuel requirements according to the aircraft, airport and schedule.
• Trip planning: Supporting trip planning, permits and destination arrangements.
• Ground handling: Coordinating parking, ground equipment and required aircraft support services.
• Operational coordination: Communicating schedule changes to relevant local providers.

Just Aviation coordinates services with the relevant providers. Aircraft performance, fuel calculations, emissions reporting, regulatory compliance and command decisions remain the responsibility of the operator and PIC as applicable.

For SAF requests, aviation fuel coordination and international flight support, contact the Just Aviation Operations Control Center at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation Decarbonization

1. What is the decarbonization of aviation?

It refers to reducing aviation’s greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable fuels, improved aircraft technology, more efficient operations and other emissions management measures.

2. What is the current CORSIA baseline?

The CORSIA baseline for 2024–2035 is 85% of the covered international aviation CO₂ emissions from 2019. The Pilot Phase of 2021–2023 used 100% of covered 2019 emissions.

3. What are the three CORSIA implementation phases?

The Pilot Phase covered 2021–2023, the First Phase covers 2024–2026, and the Second Phase covers 2027–2035. State participation criteria and exemptions vary by phase.

4. Does CORSIA apply to every business aviation operator?

No. The requirements depend on qualifying aircraft operations, annual international emissions, applicable exclusions and relevant State and route coverage. Monitoring and reporting obligations also differ from offsetting requirements.

5. What is the ReFuelEU Aviation SAF requirement?

ReFuelEU Aviation introduced a minimum 2% SAF share for aviation fuel supplied at covered Union airports in 2025, increasing to 6% in 2030 and 70% by 2050. Separate synthetic aviation fuel requirements also apply from 2030.

6. How much can sustainable aviation fuel reduce emissions?

Certain SAF production pathways can achieve lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions of up to approximately 80% compared with conventional jet fuel. Actual reductions depend on the feedstock, production process and lifecycle assessment.

7. Is SAF compatible with existing business aircraft?

Approved SAF blends can be used in compatible aircraft under the applicable fuel specifications. Operators need to confirm the approved fuel product and aircraft requirements.

8. Can electric or hydrogen-powered aircraft replace conventional business jets?

Electric, hybrid and hydrogen propulsion technologies are developing for different aircraft applications. Current limitations involving range, infrastructure, energy storage and certification affect their suitability for conventional business aviation missions.

9. How can corporate flight departments reduce their aviation emissions?

Options include approved SAF procurement, aircraft-specific fuel efficiency improvements, flight planning, fleet modernization and appropriate emissions accounting or offsetting arrangements.

10. How can Just Aviation assist with sustainable aviation operations?

Just Aviation can coordinate SAF requests, aviation fuel arrangements, ground handling and trip support services. The aircraft operator remains responsible for fuel planning, regulatory compliance and emissions reporting.

Disclaimer

Aviation environmental requirements, SAF specifications, fuel availability and emissions accounting procedures are subject to regulatory and operational changes. Operators need to confirm current CORSIA, ReFuelEU Aviation and aircraft-specific requirements with the relevant authorities and service providers.

Aircraft performance, fuel calculations, flight planning, emissions reporting, regulatory compliance and command decisions remain with the operator and PIC as applicable. Just Aviation coordinates requested flight support and ground services.

Conclusion

Aviation decarbonization combines sustainable aviation fuels, improved aircraft technology, operational efficiency and emissions management. For business aviation operators, current priorities include understanding applicable CORSIA and ReFuelEU Aviation requirements, confirming SAF availability and assessing fuel efficiency using reliable operational data.

While electric, hybrid and hydrogen technologies continue to develop, approved SAF and operational improvements provide options for existing aircraft fleets. Effective coordination between aircraft operators, fuel suppliers and ground service providers helps integrate these considerations into routine international flight operations.