Wizz Air successfully tested SAF on more than 50 flights

Hungarian low-budget airline company Wizz Air, which operates at Charleroi Airport (Belgium), has “successfully” tested sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on more than fifty flights.

Wizz Air operated more than fifty flights using a blend of SAF and traditional jet fuel and also surveyed passengers to gauge awareness and attitudes toward low-carbon aviation, including SAF.

The survey revealed that 71% of respondents believe in SAF’s positive impact on reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, though only 45% were familiar with it beforehand. Most travelers (65%) also said to prefer lower-emission flights, but 36% are not willing to pay extra.

Aviation responsible for 3% of global emissions

Since the beginning of this year, fuel supplied to airlines must contain at least 2 percent SAF blended for all flights from airports in the European Union. That share will rise to 6 percent in 2030, 20 percent in 2035, and 70 percent in 2050.

The aim is to reduce CO2 emissions—the aviation sector currently produces about 3% of global CO2 emissions. Although the sector aims to become emission-free by 2050, SAF is not yet the ideal solution.

More expensive

First and foremost, the fuel is up to four times more expensive than regular kerosene. The additional cost is a problem for a low-cost airline that does not want to pass the costs on to customers. Production also cannot keep up with demand, so governments are seeking more financial help.

According to Wizz Air, the SAF test carried out in collaboration with Airbus and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, was positive. The experiment shows that it is possible to include sustainable fuel in regular activities.

Ambitious goals

In 2023, Wizz Air signed a MoU with Spanish Cepsa (now called Moeve) to accelerate the decarbonization of air transport […] and fight against climate change.

The airline plans to power 10% of its services with SAF by 2030, highlighting its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Charleroi Airport also wants to encourage the use of SAF.

Airbus emphasizes that the European manufacturer’s latest generation of aircraft uses 20 percent less kerosene than the previous generation and that the fuel mix can contain up to 50 percent SAF without modifications to the aircraft engines. The industry wants to enable 100 percent SAF by 2030.

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