International Civil Aviation Organisation

Why in News?

India to join International climate action in Civil Aviation from 2027

For Prelims: ICAO, CORSIA, Windfall tax, Avgas

About: International Civil Aviation Organisation

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a UN specialized agency, established
in 1944, to ensure safe and orderly global civil aviation.

It sets international standards for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental
protection.
- Headquartered in Montreal, Canada
- 193 Member States.
It adopts protocols for air navigation, prevention of unlawful interference, and bordercrossing
procedures in international civil aviation.
The ICAO conducts audits to ensure member states’ compliance with international safety
standards.

Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)

CORSIA: It is a global scheme established by the ICAO to address the growth in CO2
emissions from international aviation.
CORSIA aims to stabilize net CO2 emissions at 2020 levels through a combination of
measures, including carbon offsetting carbon credits, and sustainable aviation fuel.
Carbon offsetting is a way for individuals and companies to counteract their carbon
emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases elsewhere.
Global mandates for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)with 2050

Conventional aviation fuels

Jet fuel is a clear to straw-colored fuel, based on either an unleaded kerosene (Jet A-1), or
a naphtha-kerosene blend (Jet B).
Avgas (aviation gasoline) is used by small aircraft, light helicopters and vintage pistonengined
aircraft. Its formulation is distinct from the conventional gasoline (petrol) used in
motor vehicles which is commonly called mogas or autogas

Emerging aviation fuels:

Biofuels: Alternatives to conventional fossil-based aviation fuels, new fuels made via the
biomass to liquid method (like sustainable aviation fuel) and certain straight vegetable
oils can also be used.
Compressed natural gas and liquified natural gas: Compressed natural gas (CNG) and
liquified natural gas (LNG) are fuel feedstocks that aircraft may use in the future.
Liquid hydrogen: Some development of technology for hydrogen-powered aircraft
started after the millennium and gained track since about 2020, but as of 2022 was still
far away fromoutright aircraft product development

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF):

Also known as Jet fuel, ATF is a type of petroleum-based fuelused to power aircraft.
It is specifically designed for high-altitude and high-speed travel.
Jet fuel has a higher flash point (the temperature at which it can ignite) than petrol or
diesel, which makes it safer to handle in the high-temperature conditions found in jet
engines.
It also has additives to prevent icing or explosion due to changes in pressure.

What is Windfall Tax?

A higher tax imposed by the government on specific industries when
they experience unexpected and above-average profits is known as a Windfall Tax.

Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)

HQ: New Delhi, India
Statutory (The Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020)
- Role and Function: BCAS is the regulatory authority for civil aviation security in India. It is
  responsible for laying down standards and measures concerning security of civil flights at
  international and domestic airports in India.

AVGAS 100 LL

Centre launched the indigenously-developed aviation fuel AVGAS 100 LL

Aviation Gasoline, AVGAS 100 LL, is a higher-octane Aviation fuel.
- Developed by Indian Oil Corporation.
- It is a special aviation fuel designed for use in turbo charged reciprocating piston engine
  aircrafts and Unmanned Ariel Vehicles