Wizz Air is Planning to Decarbonise Aviation – But How?

As global awareness of climate change increases, a growing number of companies across different industries are making serious efforts to go green. They are employing a range of strategies, from reducing plastic waste to embracing renewable energy.

Businesses understand that sustainable practices are no longer just good for PR opportunities – they’re essential for long-term survival. Customers now expect transparency and regulators are tightening their emissions targets. Also, investors are taking more notice of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) credentials.

In this blog post, we take a look at value airline Wizz Air and its vision for decarbonising aviation through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and upgrading its aircraft fleet. By doing this, the company hopes to be able to reach and remain at net zero within the next few years.

Aviation is estimated to be responsible for 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, meaning that pressure is growing to significantly decrease carbon footprints. Airlines that fail to adapt may soon find themselves in legal and financial difficulty. Therefore, it makes sense that Wizz Air would begin planning to decarbonise.

In April 2025, Wizz Air unveiled its ‘Flying Towards Net Zero’ roadmap to its investors and other stakeholders. This document put forward a strategy to achieve net‑zero emissions from international flights by 2050.

The strategy was generally well received, but many share the opinion that it is highly ambitious and perhaps not easy to achieve while keeping prices low for its loyal customers.

Centered on the pillars of Flights, Fuel, and Footprint, the targets set out in the net-zero roadmap are as follows:

Flights

Achieve a 30% reduction in carbon emissions through the use of modern aircraft technology and fleet renewal.

Fuel

Cut around 53% of carbon emissions via SAF use.

Footprint

Improve air traffic management and operational efficiency to help to complete the 100% emissions goal.

So far, Wizz Air has deployed more than 320 neo aircraft, including the Airbus A321neo. These aircraft have up to 20% better fuel efficiency per seat and are far less noisy.

By 2030, the company aims to have 500 of them.

Sustainable aviation fuel is an important aspect of Wizz Air’s plan. SAF is an alternative fuel derived from renewable sources, such as waste oils, agricultural residues and even sewage sludge.

It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% to 85% over its lifecycle compared to fossil fuel for aircraft.

The company plans to use 10% SAF by 2030 and has already invested more than US$6m to purchase 525,000 tonnes by 2028.

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One issue is that SAF costs four times more than standard jet fuel and production capacity is currently limited. For Wizz Air to scale up use without charging overly expensive fares, it will need policy support, subsidies and infrastructure investment.

Aviation has always been present in pop culture. For example, the aviator game is inspired by aircraft. These types of games help to bring more attention to the industry and its challenges, including the industry’s urgent need to go green.

What will decarbonised aviation look like?

Achieving net‑zero aviation by 2050 is a significant challenge and raises several key questions about the industry’s future. For example, many people are concerned that ticket costs are going to rise, especially for flights with currently low-cost carriers.

There are questions being asked around how fast SAF production can scale. To meet demand, governments must incentivise production and supply chains must be built, requiring the right kind of policy and investment.

Emerging technologies can help support this challenge. Beyond SAF and next-gen jets, emerging tech such as electric or hydrogen-power aircraft could eventually become reality.

Also, gains from smarter airspace and reduced delays could help to decrease emissions, but this requires cooperation across borders and regulators. For airlines, sustainable operations cannot come at the expense of financial profitability, especially for low-cost carriers such as Wizz.

Wizz’s approach to taking on SAF and modernising its aircraft, rather than relying on offsetting, is an interesting approach and it is likely that other airlines will look to do the same. 

Final thoughts

Wizz Air’s ‘Flying Towards Net Zero’ roadmap outlines a big vision for making aviation both greener and accessible. By making the decision to have a more fuel-efficient fleet, and investing in sustainable fuel, the airline is showing that decarbonisation in aviation is a worthwhile business strategy.

Importantly, the success of this plan relies on partnerships. This includes partnerships with governments, fuel producers, regulators and consumers. Passengers also play an important role: they can make the choice to fly with airlines that invest in green solutions and accept that they will need to pay a little more for cleaner skies.

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