International Civil Aviation Organization CO2 standard for new aircraft

On 8 February 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) finalized a proposed performance standard for new aircraft that will mandate improvements in fuel efficiency and reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The standard, the first ever to impose binding energy efficiency and CO2 reduction targets for the aviation sector, was hammered out at the tenth meeting of ICAO's Committee for Environmental Protection (CAEP). It will apply to all new commercial and business aircraft delivered after 1 January 2028, with a transition period for modified aircraft starting in 2023. The standards will on average require a 4% reduction in the cruise fuel consumption of new aircraft starting in 2028 compared to 2015 deliveries, with the actual reductions ranging from 0 to 11%, depending on the maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) of the aircraft. Separately, technology following standards were set for new aircraft designs with entry into service (EIS) dates after approximately 2024. Given the substantial lead time for the standards, along with anticipated fuel efficiency gains for new aircraft types already in development by manufacturers, the standards will serve primarily to prevent backsliding in emissions. Flexibility measures to address aircraft types and manufacturers with low production volumes will be discussed later in 2016.