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Wizz Air makes major commitment to sustainability with SkyNRG SAF deal

January 31st, 2023
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Wizz Air makes major commitment to sustainability with SkyNRG SAF deal

Wizz Air, the Hungarian low-cost airline, has signed a deal with SAF-based supplier SkyNRG for the delivery of up to 185,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This marks a significant milestone in the airline’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact and move towards more sustainable operations.

Background on Wizz Air

Founded in 2003, Wizz Air has become one of the largest low-cost carriers in Europe, with a fleet of over 120 aircraft serving over 650 routes across 44 countries. The airline has a reputation for offering affordable flights to a wide range of destinations, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Despite its popularity, Wizz Air has faced criticism for its environmental impact. Like many other airlines, Wizz Air relies heavily on fossil fuels to power its operations, leading to concerns about the company’s carbon footprint. In recent years, however, the airline has made a concerted effort to reduce its environmental impact and move towards more sustainable operations.

The SAF Deal

The deal with SkyNRG represents a major step forward in Wizz Air’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to more sustainable operations. Under the terms of the agreement, SkyNRG will supply Wizz Air with up to 185,000 tons of SAF over the next five years. SAF is a type of jet fuel made from sustainable feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, agricultural waste, and forestry residues, rather than fossil fuels.

The Benefits of SAF

The use of SAF has a number of benefits for the environment. For one, it has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector. SAF has a lower carbon footprint than traditional jet fuel, as it is produced from renewable sources rather than fossil fuels. Additionally, SAF can help to offset some of the emissions produced by traditional jet fuel, making it an important tool in the fight against climate change.

Wizz Air’s Commitment to Sustainability

The SAF deal is just one part of Wizz Air’s broader commitment to sustainability. In recent years, the airline has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing fuel-saving measures such as winglets and LED lighting.

The airline has also set ambitious sustainability targets for the coming years. For example, Wizz Air has committed to reducing its carbon emissions per passenger kilometer by 10% by the end of 2023, and by a further 10% by the end of 2028. The company has also set a goal of achieving carbon-neutral growth from 2024 onwards.

Conclusion

The SAF deal with SkyNRG represents a significant milestone in Wizz Air’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact and transition to more sustainable operations. By replacing traditional jet fuel with SAF, the airline will be able to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and make a positive contribution to the fight against climate change. This is a welcome development for both the airline industry and the environment, and it is hoped that other airlines will follow Wizz Air’s lead in embracing more sustainable practices.