Wizz Air has released a statement regarding the recent COP29 Transport Day discussions, urging the need for collective action to reach the Net Zero by 2050 goal.
The Transport Day of COP29 took place on 20 November in Baku, Azerbaijan, and allowed government representatives, industry leaders, environmental experts, and investors to review climate action in the transportation sector. Representatives from Wizz Air, including Corporate & ESG Officer Yvonne Moynihan, were present at the conference.
Wizz Air, which frequently speaks on sustainability ventures, has joined the conversation to push for the adoption of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and the development of a Sustainable Transport Investment Plan. The airline has also addressed SAF, advocating for increased local production of the fuel, having already invested in SAF innovation with companies such as Firefly and CleanJoule. Earlier this year, Wizz Air announced a new set of 2030 sustainability targets, which includes the aim to power 10% of its flights with SAF by the end of the decade.
Wizz Air has also emphasised the importance of robust carbon markets to offset emissions. It has asked ICAO Member States to release more eligible units for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) to ensure that the industry contributes to emission reduction while investing in other climate projects, such as renewable energy.
“Wizz Air has long prioritised climate-conscious operations through investment in best-in-class aircraft technology, fuel-efficient practices, and significant investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF),” said Moynihan. “SAF is a key driver, and we have invested in SAF production, concluded offtake agreements, and are piloting SAF flights ahead of the EU mandates in 2025. However, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is a global challenge that requires collective efforts. We welcomed the opportunity to engage with stakeholders at COP29 and encourage urgent alignment on creating the frameworks needed to scale affordable SAF production, enhance renewable energy infrastructure, and incentivise technological advancements.
“We look forward to the new European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan. We need to shift the conversation beyond just scaling SAF to prioritising the reduction of emissions across the industry through a basket of measures. Every step we take – whether through SAF, carbon markets, or new technologies – brings us closer to a more sustainable aviation sector and a net-zero future.”
Photo: Wizz Air
