Wizz Air Calls for Policy Changes to Advance Aviation’s Net-Zero Future at COP29

Image generated with Ai

Wizz Air, recognized as Europe’s leading airline for environmental sustainability, has actively participated in the discussions during COP29’s Transport Day. The airline stressed the necessity of united efforts to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) ambitious Net Zero Emissions by 2050 target. At the conference, Wizz Air reiterated its dedication to making aviation more sustainable and underscored the importance of global cooperation and robust policymaking in reaching these environmental goals.

The conference served as a vital forum for bringing together key players such as government officials, industry leaders, environmental specialists, and financial backers. Wizz Air, alongside other industry peers, pushed for the endorsement of the European Union’s Clean Industrial Deal and the formation of a Sustainable Transport Investment Plan.

In its commitment to greener aviation fuels, Wizz Air champions the creation of incentives to boost the local production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The airline has made substantial investments in SAF technologies, including funding for Firefly, a British enterprise transforming renewable waste into SAF, and CleanJoule, a company innovating in SAF production from agricultural remnants.

Furthermore, Wizz Air is advocating for the strengthening of carbon markets to effectively offset aviation emissions. The airline is urging ICAO member countries to allocate more eligible units to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), promoting significant emission reductions and fostering investments in renewable projects and climate-related initiatives.

Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate & ESG Officer at Wizz Air, said:
“Wizz Air has long prioritized climate-conscious operations through investment in best-in-class aircraft technology, fuel-efficient practices, and significant investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). SAF is a key driver and we have invested in SAF production, concluded offtake agreements, and are piloting SAF flights ahead of the EU mandates in 2025. However, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is a global challenge that requires collective efforts. We welcomed the opportunity to engage with stakeholders at COP29 and encourage urgent alignment on creating the frameworks needed to scale affordable SAF production, enhance renewable energy infrastructure, and incentivize technological advancements.

We look forward to the new European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan. We need to shift the conversation beyond just scaling SAF to prioritising reduction of emissions across the industry through a basket of measures. Every step we take—whether through SAF, carbon markets, or new technologies—brings us closer to a more sustainable aviation sector and a net-zero future.”