WIZZ AIR UNVEILS ITS PLAN TOWARD NET ZERO BY 2050: A MANIFESTO FOR URGENT ACTION IN AVIATION
Wizz Air, the most environmentally sustainable airline in EMEA, today unveiled its comprehensive strategy toward net zero emissions: Flying Towards Net Zero.
The plan presents a realistic articulated path based on the three Fs:
- Flights, that is, flights: 30% reduction in emissions through new aircraft-related technologies and fleet renewal
- Fuel, that is, the fuel: 53% reduction in emissions through the use of SAF (sustainable aviation fuel)
- Footprint, or the footprint: 4% reduction in emissions through modernization of air traffic management
The airline, as part of its recent Customer First Compass initiative, has invested 14 billion euros to improve its operations, including investments in state-of-the-art aircraft and SAF production. This concrete action demonstrates a commitment to the Flying Towards Net Zero goal, so that aviation can continue to play a central role in Europe's connectivity and economic growth.
This manifesto for change comes at a crucial time for the aviation sector, as efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 are slowing and the competitiveness of European aviation is threatened by rising costs associated with regulatory compliance. In addition, climate change continues to pose a significant financial and business risk. Therefore, addressing these challenges for Wizz Air is not only an environmental imperative, but a strategic necessity to ensure long-term sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience for the European aviation industry.
A realistic strategy toward Net Zero
Flying Towards Net Zero reflects the long-term climate goals set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which aim to achieve zero net carbon emissions in international aviation by 2050. However, this goal is highly dependent on industrialization of technologies, which has not occurred to date.
Wizz Air's plan directly addresses these realities. This strategy is based on five key pillars that support the company's roadmap:
- 53% decarbonization through increased use of SAF
- 21% decarbonization through technological innovation in aircraft and engines
- 7% decarbonization through fleet renewal
- 4% decarbonization through air traffic management reform
- 2% decarbonization through improved operational efficiency
Compared with its competitors, Wizz Air places greater emphasis on SAF and new aviation technologies as key levers for decarbonization, rather than on as-yet unvalidated technologies or emissions offsets.
Flights, Fuel, Footprint: a call for radical change
- Flights, that is. - Innovation in aviation must accelerate
Wizz Air has the lowest emissions intensity per passenger/kilometer of any airline in the world and a goal to reduce emissions by 25 percent by 2030. In addition, the airline operates the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet in Europe, thanks to investments in state-of-the-art aircraft(Airbus A321neo). As part of the Customer First Compass initiative, the company is investing heavily in innovation, and a significant part of the plan is attributed to new aircraft technologies and fleet renewal. To activate these decarbonization levers, the future of aviation depends on radical innovation. It is necessary to ensure that aircraft are prepared to use mixtures of SAF above the limit currently allowed by regulations.
- Fuel, that is - SAF needs to grow now
SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) is the cornerstone of Wizz Air's strategy toward Net Zero and is the most important lever for decarbonization. The company has invested in SAF production, deploying capital in new technology pathways and signing supply agreements. However, SAF production is currently limited and prices are not competitive for a low-cost business model. Governments must act to increase SAF production by ensuring a long-term policy framework, such as the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, that promotes SAF adoption and by introducing incentives to close the price gap between SAF and conventional fuel.
- Footprint, or the footprint - Implementing infrastructure reform
Inefficiencies in air traffic cause millions of tons of unnecessary emissions each year. Airspace modernization must become an immediate priority. Airlines are being asked to decarbonize, but infrastructure delays and outdated regulatory systems slow down the entire industry. European airspace reform is too long overdue. Wizz Air is already doing its part by using artificial intelligence-based technologies to improve operational efficiency. However, other players must also take responsibility.
Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate & ESG Officer at Wizz Air, states: "Wizz Air supports an ambitious vision for the Net Zero goal, but the truth is that the current pace of change is not sufficient, and, without radical action, aviation will fail to meet its commitments.
Achieving net zero emissions is a complex and uncertain path. The biggest challenges go beyond scientific issues and include policy decisions, investment strategies, market dynamics, and timely implementation of essential measures. Scientific advances also face obstacles related to cost, infrastructure, and regulatory approval.
Action is needed, not just ambition. That's why we call on governments, regulators and the fuel industry to urgently address the reality of the aviation transition and initiate the changes needed to make Net Zero possible. Aviation needs a revolution in policy and investment to chart the future of this industry.
Flights, fuel and footprint. This is our commitment. This is our path. This is our way to fly to net zero emissions."
