Wizz Air Awarded for Strategic Investment in SAF Technology by Firefly

Wizz Air secures the ‘Strategic Investment of The Year – Europe’ at the 2023 SAF Investor Awards, recognizing its £5 million investment in Firefly's innovative sustainable aviation fuel production from sewage sludge.

 

Wizz Air, acclaimed as Europe's fastest-growing and most eco-friendly airline, has been honored with the ‘Strategic Investment of The Year – Europe’ accolade at the prestigious 2023 SAF Investor Awards in London. This award celebrates Wizz Air's commitment to reducing aviation carbon emissions through meaningful investments, notably its £5 million investment in Firefly, a pioneering UK-based biofuel company focused on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development.

Firefly is at the forefront of SAF technology, employing an innovative process that transforms sewage sludge—a readily available and underutilized waste product—into SAF. The partnership between Wizz Air and Firefly is poised to significantly contribute to the aviation industry's decarbonization efforts, with projections indicating the potential production of 250,000 tonnes of SAF annually from the UK's sewage sludge. This strategic alliance is expected to supply Wizz Air's UK operations with up to 525,000 tonnes of SAF over a 15-year period starting in 2028, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by 1.5 million tonnes.

The SAF produced by Firefly is anticipated to be certified against the stringent Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) standards, offering a life cycle greenhouse gas emission reduction of up to 90% compared to conventional jet fuel. Firefly aims to operationalize its first commercial SAF production plant within the next five years, marking a significant step towards sustainable aviation.

Wizz Air's dedication to sustainability extends beyond its investment in SAF production. The airline's strategy also encompasses fleet renewal, the utilization of cutting-edge technology aircraft, and efficient operational practices to maintain its position as the industry leader in low carbon emissions per passenger/km. In 2023, Wizz Air reported a record low in CO2 intensity, further solidifying its commitment to achieving substantial CO2 intensity reductions by 2030.

Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air, expressed excitement over the award and highlighted the importance of supporting groundbreaking technologies like Firefly's in meeting the aviation industry's SAF demand. Moynihan emphasized the role of sewage sludge as a key feedstock in aligning with Wizz Air's ultra-low-cost model and the airline's ambition to pave the way for sustainable aviation practices.