• The regulations improve competitive conditions by abolishing the free allocation of emission allowances, which had favoured the largest European carriers.
• The amended regulations introduce, up to 2030, the free allocation of emission allowances for the use of so-called eligible aviation fuels. The changes will increase the transparency of the system and support emerging carriers with lower historical emissions.
• The draft aligns the regulations with current EU requirements regarding the certification of biomass, biofuels, bioliquids and alternative fuels.

The changes will level the playing field between European airlines. Airlines have been benefiting from a pool of free allowances calculated using historical data. This system favoured the largest European carriers, which have had an established network of flight routes for years. The abolition of free allocation will benefit smaller and medium-sized airlines from countries such as Poland, which have experienced rapid growth in recent years.

The proposed regulations will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels in the aviation sector.

Aircraft operators will receive free emission allowances only in connection with the use of sustainable fuels by 2030. This solution will encourage an increase in the share of sustainable fuels in aviation.

The draft aligns the regulations with current EU requirements regarding the certification of biomass, biofuels, bioliquids and alternative fuels. Air operators will be required to monitor, report and verify emissions other than CO₂ (nitrogen oxides (NOx), soot particles, sulphur oxides (SOx), water vapour (H₂O), including contrails, as well as to monitor, report and offset emissions covered by the CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) mechanism.

The proposed changes will increase the transparency of the system and support emerging carriers with lower historical emissions.