How is Wizz Air Planning to Decarbonise Aviation?
Aviation emissions are growing faster than any other forms of transport, and as commercial flights contribute to 3.5% to 5% of global warming and roughly 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, the sector is in dire need of decarbonisation if the goals of the Paris Agreement are to be achieved.
Hungarian based airline Wizz Air has released its sustainability report for the financial year ending 31 March 2025.
The airline announced its decarbonisation roadmap outlining its path to achieve net zero emissions in international aviation by 2050.
“As we reflect on the past year, we are pleased to share the significant strides we have made on our journey towards sustainability and innovation,” says Charlotte Andsager, Chair of the Sustainability and Culture Committee, Wizz Air.
“Once again, Wizz Air has proven itself to be at the forefront of sustainability compared to competitors.
“The Company’s commitment to excellence has been recognised through numerous accolades and groundbreaking initiatives, setting new benchmarks in CO₂ intensity in the aviation industry.”
What is Wizz Air doing to be sustainable?
In the past financial year, Wizz Air avoided 144,882 tonnes of CO₂ emissions through 47 fuel-efficiency initiatives.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, Wizz Airs’ CO₂ emissions intensity is the lowest in the industry at 52 grams per passenger/km, with a target of a 25% reduction in carbon emissions intensity by 2030.
Sustainability related performance schemes for the CEO and management team are in place to make leadership accountable for ESG progress.
Wizz Air have taken on more than 321 neo aircrafts – with a growth plan for 500 aircrafts by 2030 – which have up to 20% better per seat fuel efficiency than previous models and the capability of using a 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend.
Wizz Air has done trials using sustainable aviation fuel blend on its flights and is working towards using a 10% blend by 2030.
Dorottya Durucsko, Head of Government Affairs and Sustainability at Wizz Air says: “At Wizz Air, we regard ESG objectives not as marketing rhetoric, but as a fundamental business imperative.”
“We are investing where it counts: in new technologies, in SAF production capabilities and in smarter operations, while avoiding strategies that lack proven impact,” Dorottya continues.
“Our goal is not only to remain one of the most efficient carriers in the world, but to set a standard for how low fare aviation can evolve responsibly.”
What is sustainable aviation fuel?
SAF is an alternative to traditional jet fuel that is made from renewable or waste derived sources.
It can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, potentially offering a 70-80% reduction on a lifecycle basis
The fuel is a “drop-in” method, as it can be blended with conventional jet fuel and is used in existing aircrafts without modifications.
Wizz Air intends to put a US$6.7m investment in to gain 525,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel by 2028, with plans to use sewage sludge as feedstock.
What challenges is Wizz Air facing?
Wizz Air anticipates a rise in operational costs due to regulations, carbon pricing and sustainable aviation fuel.
Sustainable aviation fuel is four to five times more expensive than fossil jet fuel, with production and infrastructure uneven across Europe as supply is only concentrated at major hubs. Many major airlines argue that regulatory consistency is needed between refuel EU and EU ETS to boost uptake.
In the report Wizz Air acknowledges that it needs to balance investment in new technologies with profitability, however a failure to adopt certain technologies could impact competitiveness.
The jet fuel combustion accounts for 92% of total emissions, so Wizz Air’s main reduction focus needs to be there.
Wizz Air faced operational challenges throughout 2024, which meant its emissions per passenger did not hit the target for 2025, instead increasing by 0.2g since last year's report.
Charlotte says: “In March 2025, Wizz Air presented its Net Zero Plan, “Flying Towards Net Zero” to the Committee for approval.
“The Company believes it must be realistic about what is possible in the near and long term in an industry that is hard to abate.
“The Plan emphasises sustainable aviation fuel as a crucial decarbonisation lever.”
