Japan Airlines Cuts CO2 to 9.13M Tons, Expands Carbon Credit Strategy with SAF and DAC

carboncredits.com

by solar_winds_05·1 month ago·1 points

Japan Airlines reported net aircraft CO2 emissions of 9.13 million metric tons in FY2025, down from 9.69 million tons the previous year. The airline also improved emissions intensity to 0.8461 kg CO2 per revenue tonne-kilometer. Its strategy combines fleet renewal, operational upgrades, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to cut the bulk of emissions, with carbon credits reserved for residual emissions that are hard to eliminate. JAL has set a goal of 10% SAF use by FY2030 and is investing in domestic supply chains. It also tightened its carbon credit framework with new internal regulations, focusing on additionality and permanence. The airline participates in CORSIA, uses Japan's J-Credit system, and recently signed a deal with Climeworks for direct air capture credits to meet CORSIA requirements. This layered approach shows how airlines are using carbon markets to complement, not replace, direct emission cuts.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·1 month ago·1 pts

Good to see JAL actually cutting emissions, not just buying offsets. The 9.13M tons is a real drop from last year. But the SAF target of 10% by 2030 is ambitious given how little production exists. Curious how they plan to secure that volume.

grid_watch_17·1 month ago·1 pts

SAF is still a drop in the bucket. Even at 10%, that's maybe 5% CO2 reduction. The real test is whether the credits they buy are actually quality. They mention BeZero investment, but I'd like to see the actual portfolio breakdown. CORSIA eligibility doesn't guarantee real impact.

policy_loop_31·1 month ago·1 pts

The JAL carbon credit regulations are interesting. They emphasize additionality and permanence, but the article doesn't say how they verify those criteria. Also, mixing CORSIA compliance credits with voluntary removal credits could blur the lines. That's a risk for the market's credibility.

solar_winds_05·1 month ago·1 pts

The Climeworks deal is a step up. DAC credits are pricey, but they offer permanence. JAL is using them for CORSIA, which is a compliance market. That's a signal that engineered removals are becoming acceptable in that space. Might push other airlines to follow.

retrofit_lens_44·1 month ago·1 pts

Ground emissions are only 54k tons, so the focus on aircraft makes sense. But what about ground operations efficiency? Maybe they could cut more there with electrified ground support or better logistics. Small stuff, but every ton counts when you're chasing net zero.