Low fares carrier Wizz Air has signed an agreement for the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from 2025 as part of its drive to decarbonise its operations.
The Memorandum of Understanding gives Wizz Air the opportunity to purchase 36,000 tons of SAF from Helsinki-based Neste for the supply across the airline’s route network in Europe and the UK.
Wizz said the deal is a “key part” of the airline’s environmental strategy to reduce carbon emissions intensity by 25% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.
The airline has been adding new Airbus A321neo aircraft to its fleet and replacing older aircraft, with the share of new “neo” technology aircraft within Wizz Air’s fleet planned to surpass 50% by the end of the 2023 financial year.
The new Airbus A321neo aircraft incorporates the latest technology, offering significant environmental benefits and can currently fly with up to 50% SAF blend.
Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is produced from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste.
Ian Malin, executive vice-president and group chief financial officer at Wizz Air, said: “This partnership with Neste, the world’s leading producer of SAF, reaffirms our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions intensity, which is already one of the lowest among airlines in the world.
“Working together with Neste, we will drive the adoption of SAF throughout our network, paving the way to a more sustainable future for aviation.”
Jonathan Wood, Europe vice president for renewable aviation at Neste, added: “This agreement with Wizz Air, one of the industry’s sustainability leaders, shows how we are enabling airlines to use SAF across their route networks.”
Picture of tanker refuelling aircraft by Neste.