Our Environment | Wizz Air

At Wizz Air, efficiency is central to our approach to improving environmental performance, from how we operate our aircraft to how we manage resources across the business. We continue to invest in fuel-efficiency technologies, modernise our fleet and enhance operational practices to support improvements in our CO₂ emissions intensity, based on measurable operational performance. We also support the development and increased availability of sustainable aviation fuel* (SAF) as part of broader industry efforts to decarbonise aviation.

*Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an alternative to conventional aviation fuels, potentially reducing the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. While SAF emits similar CO₂ levels during combustion, its lifecycle CO₂ impact is significantly lower – at least 65% less than fossil-based kerosene – thanks to its production from non-fossil resources like used cooking oil. Nonetheless, the CO₂ emissions caused during the flight remain almost the same. As per ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, we ensure that the SAF we select meets strict sustainability standards. Despite its limited availability and impact when compared to the entire sector’s footprint, SAF usage is a positive step forward. The EU mandates fuel providers to mix on average 2% of SAF for flights departing from the EU. For more information, please visit the SAF section below.

Carbon Intensity

Reducing the emissions intensity of our flight operations is one of Wizz Air’s principal environmental objectives.

At Wizz Air, our primary environmental focus is improving the carbon intensity of our flight operations. Total greenhouse gas emissions can vary depending on the level of business activity. For example, operating more flights generally results in higher overall emissions. To provide a consistent and comparable measure of environmental performance, we use CO₂ emissions per revenue passenger kilometre (CO₂/RPK). This metric reflects how efficiently we transport passengers and enables us to track improvements in fuel efficiency and operational performance over time, regardless of changes in flight volume.

CO₂/RPK is an industry-standard metric used across the aviation sector to compare emissions intensity. It measures the amount of carbon dioxide emitted for each revenue passenger kilometre flown, enabling meaningful comparisons between airlines of different sizes and business models.

The majority of our carbon footprint comes from Scope 1 emissions, generated directly by aircraft fuel use. Since no fuel source is entirely impact-free, we concentrate on improving fuel efficiency through fleet renewal, operational enhancements, and the future adoption of sustainable aviation fuels.

Wizz Air discloses its CO₂/RPK metrics both annually and monthly. Please refer to our annual reports and monthly updates for detailed information.

CO₂ Emissions Intensity per RPK (Financial Years 2020–2026)

In 2021, Wizz Air set a goal to reduce its CO₂ emissions intensity (CO₂/RPK) by 25% by 2030, from a baseline of 57.2 grams in financial year 2020. In financial year 2026, Wizz Air improved its emissions intensity to 50.6 grams of CO₂/RPK, a 3% improvement compared with F25 and the lowest annual emissions intensity reported by the company to date.

*Our carbon intensity targets do not include offsetting. Recognition: Based on publicly available emissions intensity data for 2025 and industry benchmarks, Wizz Air was named the world’s most emissions-efficient airline by Cirium, received the Sustainable Airline of the Year 2025 award from Airline Economics, and the Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline award in 2026 for the 6th year in a row from World Finance.

Fleet Efficiency

We continue to invest in fleet renewal as a core driver of operational efficiency, competitiveness and emissions intensity reduction. Operating one of the youngest fleets in Europe, with an average aircraft age of 4.57 years, our fleet strategy is centred on the deployment of next-generation Airbus aircraft and the gradual transition towards an all-neo fleet. As of F26, 75% of our aircraft incorporated Airbus neo technology, supporting improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions intensity and a structurally low-cost operating model.

Lowest Fuel Consumption per Seat-Kilometre in Its Class

Since the introduction of the Airbus A321neo into our fleet in 2019, next-generation aircraft have become a cornerstone of our growth strategy. Equipped with Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan engines and Airbus Sharklet™ wingtip devices, neo aircraft deliver significantly greater fuel efficiency than previous-generation models while maintaining a high-density 239-seat configuration. Compared with the Airbus A321ceo, the A321neo can reduce fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per seat by up to 20%, while also supporting lower operating costs and improved operational performance. These aircraft are certified to operate using SAF* blends of up to 50%, supporting the industry’s transition towards lower-carbon aviation.

* For more information on SAF please see the section below.

A Young and Efficient Fleet

At the end of F26, our fleet comprised 262 Airbus A320 and A321 family aircraft, including a growing proportion of next-generation neo aircraft. A younger fleet supports our focus on efficiency by enabling the adoption of the latest aircraft and engine technologies, which deliver improvements in fuel consumption, maintenance performance and emissions intensity compared with earlier-generation aircraft. Operating one of the youngest fleets among major European airlines remains a key competitive advantage, supporting both environmental and financial performance.

Positioned for Long-Term Growth

Fleet modernisation remains central to our long-term strategy. We continue to take delivery of new Airbus A321neo aircraft while gradually phasing out older aircraft from the fleet. This transition will further increase the proportion of aircraft incorporating neo technology and supports our ambition to operate an entirely neo-based fleet over time.

As the aviation sector works towards long-term decarbonisation, airlines must rely on technologies that are available today. Our investment in newer-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft supports improvements in operational efficiency and contributes to lower CO₂ emissions intensity. By continuing to modernise our fleet, we are leveraging proven technologies to enhance efficiency and support progress towards our emissions intensity reduction target.

Airline	Wizz Air	Ryanair	Easyjet	AF-KLM	IAG	LH	SAS
Average fleet age	4.57	10.0	10.9	11.5	12.6	14.4	7.9

Source: Based on the latest publicly available information at the time of publication.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) refers to non-conventional jet fuel produced from renewable or waste-derived feedstocks rather than crude oil. It is the aviation industry’s standard term for alternative aviation fuels and includes fuels derived from biological resources (e.g. waste oils, fats, agricultural residues and non-food crops) as well as fuels synthesised from renewable energy sources through certified technological processes such as Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) or Fischer–Tropsch synthesis.

Although SAF produces similar carbon dioxide emissions to conventional jet fuel when combusted, its lifecycle emissions are significantly lower. Lifecycle emissions from feedstock cultivation, processing and transport are included in the overall assessment. Depending on the production pathway, SAF can reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 65 per cent compared to conventional jet fuel. SAF also contains lower levels of sulphur and aromatic compounds, contributing to reduced sulphur dioxide and particulate matter emissions. SAF has chemical and physical properties comparable to conventional jet fuel and can be blended and used within existing aircraft engines and fuelling infrastructure without modification. As a certified “drop-in” fuel, it can be integrated into current airport supply systems.

Wizz Air recognises SAF as a critical lever for aviation decarbonisation. However, global SAF production remains limited relative to projected demand, and the price premium compared to conventional jet fuel remains significant. Scaling production will require long-term regulatory certainty, supportive policy frameworks and investment across the value chain. Wizz Air’s SAF approach includes engagement with suppliers, participation in research and development initiatives, and preparation for increased SAF uptake as supply becomes available.

Wizz Air's SAF Strategy

Wizz Air recognises the critical role of alternative fuels in the aviation sector’s transition. While SAF is not a complete solution, it is one of the most promising technologies available today to help reduce lifecycle emissions. Our SAF strategy is built around long-term thinking and practical action:

1. Strategic Investment in R&D Projects

Wizz Air supports innovation in SAF production through targeted investments in promising technologies. This includes strategic equity investments of £5 million in Firefly and CleanJoule, two companies developing advanced SAF solutions with scalable potential and strong sustainability credentials.

2. Long-Term Partnerships with SAF Suppliers

We are building a reliable and traceable SAF supply chain through long-term collaborations with certified producers. These partnerships ensure that the SAF we use meets strict sustainability standards and can be integrated into our operations as availability grows.

3. Aspirational Target of 10% SAF Blend by 2030

Subject to second-generation SAF being available at competitive prices; Wizz Air has set an aspirational target to achieve 10% SAF blend across its operations by 2030, exceeding the minimum 6% requirement under ReFuelEU Aviation. Achieving this target remains dependent on SAF availability, cost developments and regulatory conditions.

Regulatory Compliance and Transparency

As per ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, we ensure that the SAF we select meets strict sustainability standards.

The ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation is part of the European Union’s climate strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the aviation sector. One of its key measures is the mandatory blending of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into conventional jet fuel for flights departing from EU airports. Starting in 2025, fuel suppliers at EU airports must ensure that at least 2% of the aviation fuel they provide is SAF. This percentage will increase gradually over the coming decades, reaching 70% by 2050, with a growing share of synthetic fuels included in the mix. This regulation applies to fuel providers, but airlines are also required to uplift most of their fuel from EU airports to prevent practices like fuel tankering (refueling outside the EU to avoid SAF mandates).

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite its potential, SAF supply remains limited and does not yet meet growing demand. Scaling up production requires:

Long-term policy frameworks

Incentives to bridge the price gap between SAF and conventional fuel

Infrastructure investment to support broader adoption

Full Efficiency Measures

Fuel Efficiency: Data-Driven Optimisation Across Every Flight Phase

Wizz Air continuously seeks to improve operational efficiency. Our dedicated teams explore opportunities to optimise fuel use across all phases of flight, from ground operations to climb, cruise, and descent. Improving fuel efficiency supports lower fuel consumption and contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions intensity, based on measurable operational performance.

AI-Powered Insights and Collaboration with StorkJet

Since 2019, Wizz Air has collaborated with StorkJet to strengthen the analysis of flight operations data and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency. This work has supported the implementation of multiple fuel-efficiency initiatives, even areas previously considered optimised. These initiatives are implemented through structured operational procedures and are continuously monitored to assess their impact on fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions intensity.

During the reporting period, Wizz Air expanded the use of AI-enabled digital tools in the flight deck to support operational decision-making. Solutions including StorkJet’s Flight Path Optimisation system provide pilots with data-driven recommendations on optimal speeds and altitudes throughout all phases of flight, while integrated weather intelligence supports real-time route optimisation based on atmospheric conditions. These tools use machine-learning models and operational data to support fuel-efficient flight operations. In operational testing across more than 10,000 flights, these initiatives reduced fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions by approximately 0.5% to 1% per flight, without compromising safety. Wizz Air also implemented StorkJet’s Taxi Fuel API, which uses historical operational data and machine-learning models to improve the accuracy of taxi fuel planning. More accurate fuel planning helps avoid carrying unnecessary fuel while maintaining operational safety.

Fuel Efficiency Initiatives

Wizz Air has implemented a range of operational and technical initiatives that reduce fuel consumption by approximately 2.5% annually compared with the reference operating scenario without these measures.

Several of the most significant fuel-efficiency improvements are supported by aircraft design features. Aircraft fitted with Airbus Sharklet™ wingtip devices improve aerodynamic performance, while lightweight cabin components, including advanced seating, reduce aircraft weight and contribute to lower fuel consumption.

Pilots are supported by a dedicated Fuel Efficiency App, which provides flight-specific operational data to support fuel-efficient decision-making before and during flight. Wizz Air has also enhanced fuel planning through data-driven methods that improve the calculation of reserve and contingency fuel while maintaining applicable operational safety requirements.

Additional operational procedures, including the use of idle reverse thrust during landing and single-engine taxiing where operationally appropriate, also contribute to reducing fuel consumption. The airline has also adopted digital tools such as Electronic Flight Bags, replacing paper documentation with electronic devices and reducing aircraft weight.

These initiatives form part of Wizz Air’s broader approach to improving operational efficiency. Their performance is monitored on an ongoing basis, and additional opportunities are identified through operational analytics and pilot feedback.

The estimated fuel savings are calculated against a reference scenario in which these initiatives are not implemented. In addition to the measures described above, Wizz Air applies a range of further operational initiatives and policies that support fuel-efficient operations.

Further information on Wizz Air’s fuel efficiency strategy and performance is available in our most recent Annual Report.

Industry Collaboration

Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation (AZEA)

In September 2022, Wizz Air joined AZEA, a voluntary initiative launched by the European Commission to pave the way for next-generation sustainable aircraft. The objective of AZEA is to prepare the market for the entry into service of zero-emission aircraft.

Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial Alliance (RLCF)

Wizz Air has been a member of the RLCF Alliance since September 2022. The Alliance is dedicated to addressing the limited availability and high cost of renewable and low-carbon drop-in fuels for aviation and waterborne transport. Its work focuses on boosting production, increasing investor confidence, reducing investment risks, and narrowing the price gap between conventional fossil fuels and alternative fuels. As part of this effort, Wizz Air actively contributes by sharing information and industry expectations through targeted consultations.