European low-cost airline Wizz Air announced today an agreement with sustainable aviation fuel provider Neste, enabling the company to purchase 36,000 tons of SAF to supply its operations across Europe and the UK, beginning in 2025.

According to Wizz Air, the purchase forms a key part of the company’s environmental strategy, which includes goals to reduce carbon emissions intensity by 25% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. The company has been replacing older aircraft in its fleet with new Airbus A321neo aircraft, which can currently fly with up to 50% SAF blend.

Ian Malin, Executive Vice President and Group Chief Financial Officer at Wizz Air, said:

“Wizz Air continues to invest in innovative technology and believes that SAF is a key part of the solution for the decarbonisation of the aviation industry. This partnership with Neste, the world’s leading producer of SAF, reaffirms our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions intensity, which is already one of the lowest among airlines in the world.”

Neste’s “MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel” is made from 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials like used cooking oil. When used in its neat form, the fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions over its lifecycle by up to 80% compared to fossil jet fuel use. The fuel can be used with existing aircraft engines and airport fuel infrastructure, requiring no new investment. Neste said that it expects to reach annual SAF production capacity of 1.5 million tons by the end of next year.

Jonathan Wood, Vice President Europe, Renewable Aviation at Neste, said:

“Neste is committed to helping the aviation industry move towards a more sustainable future. This agreement with Wizz Air, one of the industry’s sustainability leaders, shows how we are enabling airlines to use SAF across their route networks.”