Taking a step ahead in sustainable aviation, Wizz Air is all set to make its entire aircraft fleet at London Luton Airport (LLA) Airbus A321neo by 2025. The new A321neos offer 50% reduction in noise footprint, a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and 50% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions compared to the previous generation aircraft, according to Airbus.
Besides, Airbus claims that the A321neo can currently fly with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel blend.
Wizz Air currently has 11 aircraft stationed at its base in London Luton Airport (LLA) with an average age of 3 years with almost 50% of the aircraft with the new neo technology.
Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer, Wizz Air said: "London is an important market for Wizz Air and remains in our focus for continuous investment. We are already leading in sustainability, operating the youngest fleet in Europe in the most efficient way. We are focused on technology and innovation and feel confident that fleet renewal is a key solution available here and now to reduce emissions from aviation. Replacing older aircraft at our London Luton Airport base with the newest and more fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo is part of our long-term fleet renewal strategy to reduce carbon intensity by 25% by 2030. We are delighted to work together with London Luton Airport on finding new solutions that help us to reach our targets."
As a part of its fleet renewal program, the older aircraft decommissioned from LLA will re-join Wizz Air’s global fleet until 2027, after which it be replaced by new Airbus A321neo aircraft.
As a part of its SAF strategy, Wizz Air has already partnered with Neste, OMV and Cepsa. In April 2023, Wizz Air announced its first equity investment Firefly Green Fuels, to further support SAF development in the UK. In May 2023, the airline, as part of Indigo Partners, invested in the US-based SAF start-up Clean Joule.
The airline is also working with Airbus to explore the potential for hydrogen-powered aircraft.
LLA is committed to sustainable aviation and has set an ambition to achieve net zero by 2040 for its airport emissions.