Wizz Air has announced a partnership with Airbus to test Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) operations, marking a significant step in the airline’s environmental strategy. This initiative positions the carrier ahead of upcoming EU regulations, which are set to take effect in 2025. The Wizz Air trial comes as the aviation industry prepares for the 2025 implementation of RefuelEU aviation regulations. This forms a part of the EU’s comprehensive environmental framework.
These new rules will transform how airlines operate within the European Union. It requires fuel suppliers at EU airports to incorporate minimum quantities of SAF into their fuel mix. These proportions will then increase over time.
Under the regulations, airlines must source 90% of their fuel requirements from these designated airports, making early adaptation crucial for continued operations. Wizz Air’s proactive approach combines SAF implementation with their existing fleet of fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo aircraft.
The trial encompasses two strategic routes: Barcelona-Budapest and Brussels Charleroi-Budapest. Cepsa will manage SAF supply for Barcelona departures, while World Fuel Services oversees Brussels operations.
Using the mass balancing method, Barcelona operations will utilize up to 16 metric tons of pure SAF in a 5% blend. Meanwhile, Brussels will implement up to 18 metric tons in a 10% blend. The project is scheduled for completion by year-end.
Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air’s Corporate and ESG Officer, emphasizes the significance of this cross-industry collaboration. This initiative demonstrates the aviation community’s unified commitment to reducing emissions intensity.
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary of transformative travel, we’re proud to lead by example with our goal of powering 10% of flights with SAF by 2030. Understanding our passengers’ perspectives on aviation sustainability is equally important, as their insights will shape our future environmental programs.
To gather this crucial feedback, Wizz Air is launching a comprehensive passenger survey about SAF awareness and aviation sustainability initiatives. The airline will publish the survey results, which passengers can access through their newsletter and online link, to help advance sustainability efforts across the aviation industry.
Julie Kitcher, Airbus’ Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications, underscores the importance of SAF in aviation’s environmental future. Fuel-efficient aircraft and SAF will deliver the majority of emissions reductions needed by 2050. Working with partners like Wizz Air to efficiently integrate SAF across airline operations is a crucial step toward this goal. Understanding passenger perspectives on decarbonization will further support the industry’s SAF adoption.
The initiative has garnered strong support from fuel suppliers. Duncan Storey, Senior Vice President at World Fuel, highlights their commitment to expanding sustainable fuel availability across Europe. Their SAF supply network is already established in key locations including the UK, Germany, and France.
Marta Cencillo, Head of Sustainable Aviation at Cepsa, adds comment. As a leading energy supplier to Spain’s aviation sector, we’re committed to helping our customers decarbonize their operations. SAF provides an immediate solution for reducing flight emissions without requiring aircraft engine modifications.
Throughout the trial, Airbus will provide comprehensive technical guidance to optimize SAF integration across Wizz Air’s operations. This collaboration exemplifies how industry partnerships can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in aviation. This initiative represents a significant step toward the industry’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. It ensures continued access to efficient, sustainable air travel for millions of European passengers.
The success of this trial could serve as a blueprint for other airlines looking to integrate SAF into their operations. This could potentially accelerate the aviation industry’s transition to more sustainable practices well ahead of regulatory deadlines.
