Wizz Air sets new standard with lowest-ever annual carbon intensity

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Wizz Air, recognized as Europe’s fastest-growing and most environmentally sustainable airline on a global scale[1], has disclosed that its average carbon emissions for the year 2023 reached 51.5 grams per passenger/km, marking a notable 6.8% reduction compared to the figures reported in 2022. This achievement stands as the airline’s all-time lowest annual average carbon intensity, solidifying its position as a leader in CO2 intensity reduction among competing airlines[2].

In the month of February 2023, Wizz Air attained its lowest-ever reported carbon emissions per passenger/km, registering at 48.9 grams, reflecting an impressive 8.3% decrease from the same month in 2022.

Wizz Air is dedicated to further diminishing its CO2 intensity by 25% by the year 2030[3]. A crucial aspect of the airline’s sustainability strategy involves the ongoing rejuvenation of its fleet. Throughout 2023, Wizz Air not only expanded its fleet but also systematically replaced older aircraft with cutting-edge technology, incorporating 32 of the latest and most sustainable Airbus A321neo aircraft[4]. Currently, the airline operates a fleet of 195 Airbus aircraft with an average age of 4.3 years, significantly below the European aviation industry’s average age, which hovers around 10 years[5].

In line with its sustainability goals, Wizz Air established partnerships with two sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producers in 2023—Neste and Cepsa. In a move to bolster SAF development, the airline made its inaugural equity investment of £5 million in Firefly Green Fuels, a UK-based biofuel company, and participated in a substantial US$50 million investment in CleanJoule, a US-based SAF startup. Notably, in May 2023, Wizz Air became Hungary’s first airline to conduct commercial SAF supply tests alongside MOL, operating five flights from Budapest airport with a 35% SAF blend.

Throughout 2023, Wizz Air initiated fully electric turnarounds in collaboration with Aviation Services at Rome Fiumicino airport and Menzies Aviation at Budapest Airport, aligning with broader industry efforts to address the pressing issue of climate change. These initiatives contribute to a remarkable reduction of CO2 emissions from ground handling processes by up to 80-85% per aircraft when compared to the use of diesel-powered equipment.

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