Advancing Towards Sustainability with Wizz Air

Wizz Air, Airbus, and Charleroi Airport have successfully completed trials using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a vital step in the effort to decarbonize aviation industry under the new Refuel EU legislation, which requires a specified share of SAF in all flights departing from EU airports starting January 2025.

While several survey participants expressed interest in changing travel habits for environmental benefits, there remains a significant gap in passenger awareness regarding the aviation sector’s carbon reduction initiatives. This disconnect was highlighted during a media roundtable held in Charleroi, emphasizing collaboration among various stakeholders to promote a low-carbon aviation future.

Throughout this operational trial, Wizz Air meticulously conducted over fifty flights with a mix of SAF and conventional jet fuel, demonstrating SAF’s capability to potentially reduce CO2 lifecycle emissions by as much as 90%. The project showcased the viability of incorporating SAF into standard operations while identifying opportunities for improvement in infrastructure and cost efficiency.

Survey Insights: Calls for Action

The conducted survey aims to understand public sentiment towards sustainable aviation:

• Environmental Considerations: 58% are open to altering their travel routines for environmental reasons.
• Cost Concerns: 65% would favor lower-emission flights, yet 36% hesitate to incur additional expenses.
• Awareness Gaps: 74% were unaware of the mandatory SAF share beginning in January, demonstrating a critical need for better communication.
• Demand for Government Involvement: 72% urged for governmental support in the scaling of SAF production, underscoring the essential nature of public-private partnerships to meet evolving demands.

Wizz Air and partners continue to commit to scaling SAF initiatives, advocating for increased public knowledge and addressing financial barriers.

According to Yvonne Moynihan, “The successful completion of this trial reaffirms our commitment to flying towards sustainability. We are grateful to our passengers who participated in this landmark survey, sharing invaluable insights regarding SAF and sustainable travel.” She noted that many passengers are aware of SAF’s positive implications but urge for clearer parallels regarding cost and regulatory roles in decarbonizing the aviation sector.

Julien Manhes from Airbus stated, “The current limitations in SAF availability necessitate an increase in both demand and supply while narrowing the price disparity between it and traditional fuels. Passenger feedback reinforces the significance of a cohesive aviation ecosystem—encompassing airlines, airports, regulators, and manufacturers—to drive clarity and engage passengers in decarbonization initiatives.”

Álvaro Macarro, Director of Sustainable Aviation at Moeve, emphasized the results underscore the necessity for both industry and policy action to enhance SAF adoption. He remarked, “While passenger awareness of environmental considerations is improving, affordability and awareness still pose substantial hurdles.”

Charleroi Airport is leading by example in developing the necessary infrastructure to facilitate significant SAF uplift, acknowledging the necessity for airlines to comply with the forthcoming EU mandates.

Quentin Evrard, Sustainable Development Manager at BSCA stated, “We are pleased to have collaborated with Wizz Air for these trials, and it’s imperative to prioritize environmental factors while maintaining our operations.”