LONDON – Hungarian ultra low-cost carrier Wizz Air has negotiated with Neste for the supply of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel from 2025 onwards.
The agreement gives the airline the opportunity to purchase 36,000 tons of Neste-produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) per annum over a period of three years. The SAF reserve will be then used across Wizz Air’s route network in Europe and the UK.
Wizz Air sustainability program
The SAF volumes to be purchased are a key part of the airline’s environmental strategy to reduce carbon emissions intensity per passenger kilometre by 25% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.
In 2022, Wizz Air achieved its lowest ever annual carbon intensity, which amounted to 55.2 grams per passenger/km.
The airline has been continuously adding new Airbus A321neo aircraft to its fleet and replacing older aircraft. These aircraft are presently certified to fly with up to a 50% SAF blend.
“At Wizz Air, we continue to invest in innovative technology and believe that SAF is a key part of the solution for decarbonizing the aviation industry,” said Ian Malin, Executive Vice President and Group Chief Financial Officer at Wizz Air.
“The partnership with Neste, the world’s leading producer of SAF, reaffirms our progress in reducing our carbon emissions intensity, which is already one of the lowest in the world.”
“Working together with Neste, we will drive the adoption of SAF throughout our network, paving the way to a more sustainable future for aviation,“ Malin concluded.
“Neste is committed to helping the aviation industry move towards a more sustainable future. This agreement with Wizz Air, one of the industry’s sustainability leaders, shows how we are enabling airlines to use SAF across their route networks,” responded Jonathan Wood, Vice President Europe, Renewable Aviation at Neste.
” We look forward to working together with Wizz Air on the reduction of their carbon emissions, as we increase our annual SAF production capacity to 1.5 million tons by the end of 2023.”
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
SAF is a next generation aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil based jet fuel. It is widely recognized as a key solution for achieving the aviation sector’s emission reduction goals.
Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle compared to using fossil jet fuel.
Neste MY SAF is produced from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste.
SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel and works seamlessly with existing fuelling infrastructure and aircraft engines.
Summary
Wizz Air currently operates a fleet of 177 Airbus A320 and A321 family aircraft. The ultra-low-cost airline has maintained a profile as a proactive carrier in the realm of sustainability and green initiatives.
To this end the carrier has been recognised with a series of related awards having been recognised as the “Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline” within the World Finance Sustainability Awards 2022.
The airline was also awarded the “Global Environmental Sustainability Airline Group of the Year” by the CAPA-Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence 2022.
The drive towards SAF acquisition further highlights the airline’s keen edge with respect to future industry sustainability.
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