Wizz Air has become the latest airline to sign up for a supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) – but not until 2025.
The alternative fuel will be produced from organic waste, such as used cooking oils or agricultural waste, to supply the airline’s route network across Spain.
Waste that would otherwise end up in landfill will make it possible to reduce aircraft emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional kerosene, according to the budget carrier.
Wizz Air’s SAF strategy includes securing agreements with suppliers for the future to reduce carbon emissions per passenger/km by 25% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.
New Airbus A321neo aircraft being introduced to the fleet incorporate technology that enables them to fly with up to 50% SAF blend.
Wizz Air currently operates flights to Alicante, Barcelona El Prat, Bilbao, Castellon (Valencia), Fuerteventura, Ibiza, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Santander, Seville, Tenerife, Valencia and Zaragoza.
It was one of a number of airlines operating around 220 flights from Seville airport over one week test period last November using SAF.
A memorandum of understanding has now been signed with Spanish biofuels producer Cepsa to purchase SAF in two year’s time.
The airline’s chief financial officer Ian Malin said: “We are excited to partner with Cepsa, a renowned energy company, to establish a SAF supply chain for Wizz Air in Spain.
“In addition to flying the world’s most sustainable fleet, we are making biofuel a key element to maintaining our leadership in sustainability and exceeding our commitment to reduce carbon intensity by 25% by 2030.”