Trinity Airways has become the first South Korean airline to retire carbon credits, purchasing 20,000 metric tons through NH Investment & Securities. The move comes as airlines face CORSIA obligations for international flights, with the first compliance period ending in January 2028. The Korean airline industry has only secured 3.6% of its 2024 obligation, leaving a large gap. Analysts estimate Korean airlines will need to spend 335.5 billion won ($247 million) on credits for 2024-2026, with Korean Air carrying the largest share. Credit prices are climbing due to global supply shortages, and industry officials predict prices could rise eightfold to nearly $100 per ton by 2035. Early buyers like Trinity Airways are trying to lock in lower prices before the market tightens further.
