Wizz Air will operate exclusively with Airbus A321neo aircraft at its base at London Luton Airport (LTN) by 2025. Currently, the low-cost airline has a fleet of 11 aircraft parked at LTN with an average age of three years.
Fleet modernization with the new generation aircraft at Luton has exceeded 50% and will reach 100% within two years. Wizz Air’s A321neo has a capacity of 239 passengers in single-class configuration.
The aircraft’s new technology offers a 50% reduction in noise footprint, a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and a 50% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions compared to previous generation aircraft. Currently the Airbus A321neo can fly on up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend.
Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Director at Wizz Air, commented: «London is an important market for Wizz Air and remains in our focus for continued investment. We are already a leader in sustainability, operating Europe’s youngest fleet in the most efficient way. We are focused on technology and innovation and are confident that fleet renewal is a key solution available here and now to reduce aviation emissions«.
Wizz Air’s carbon emissions per passenger/km amounted to 53.8 grams in 2023, one of the lowest in the region. The low-cost airline continues an ambitious fleet renewal program with state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft.
The airline has established a strategy of purchasing agreements with suppliers for the future and has already partnered with Neste, OMV and Cepsa. In April 2023, Wizz Air notifies of its first equity investment in a biofuels company, Firefly Green Fuels to further support SAF’s growth in the UK.
In May 2023, the low-cost airline invested in the US-based SAF start-up Clean Joule. Wizz Air plans in the long term to work with Airbus to export the potential of hydrogen-powered aircraft. These partnerships enhance the company’s commitment to reduce emissions intensity by 2030.
Jonathan Rayner, commercial director at London Luton Airport, commented: «We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Wizz Air, which adds to the growing number of quieter and more fuel efficient aircraft already based at London Luton Airport«.
See also: What Wizz Air aims at with its new MultiPass program
