Exclusive | Wizz Air Goes Green: "It's Time for Governments to Wake Up and Act – Time is Running Out"

When was the last time you checked how much your flight pollutes the air?

While it may not always dominate headlines, sustainability remains the hottest and most crucial topic across the global aviation industry.

Wizz Air, the prominent low-cost carrier operating over ten routes between Israel and Europe — with plans to expand its presence in Israel later this year — hosted a special international media workshop today (April 22, 2025).
Passport Group had the exclusive honor of representing Israeli media at this high-level event, which brought together senior journalists from across the globe.

At the heart of the workshop, the airline presented its sustainability goals for the coming years based on the three "F" - "Flights, Fuel, Footprint", meaning flights, fuel, and carbon footprint.

Ivone Movinhen, Head of the ESG and Corporate sector at Wizz Air presented the comprehensive roadmap Flying Towards Net Zero", which includes a realistic path focused on reducing emissions through new technology and renewing the aircraft fleet; reducing fuel emissions by 53% through SAF and reducing the carbon footprint by 4% through modernizing air traffic management.

Photo: Amit Cotler

The plan is based on five basic pillars:

53% reduction in emissions through increased use of SAF
21% reduction in emissions via aircraft and engine technology
7% reduction in emissions through fleet renewal
4% reduction in emissions via air traffic reforms
2% reduction in emissions through operational optimization

The World's Pink and Green Company

Unlike competitors, the company emphasizes that they place greater emphasis on SAF and new technologies as critical factors for reducing emissions, rather than relying on unproven technologies or offsetting mechanisms.

Photo: Shutterstock

Currently, Wizz Air prides itself on being the airline with the lowest carbon emissions in the world relative to passenger distance (per kilometer), with a goal to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030.

The company also boasts the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet in Europe, including the relatively environmentally friendly Airbus A321neo aircraft. A senior official from the company stated that Airbus continues to develop additional features for future aircraft, which may also be put into service by the company.

Movinhen further noted, "We support an ambitious vision of zero emissions, but the truth is that the current pace of change is simply not enough. Without drastic intervention, aviation will not meet its targets. The road to zero emissions is fraught with uncertainty. The biggest challenges are not scientific - they lie in policy decisions, investment strategies, market dynamics, and timely implementation of critical moves. Even scientific advancements face difficulties related to cost, infrastructure, and regulatory approvals."

She further stated, "We need action - not just aspiration. We are calling on governments, regulators, and the fuel industry to wake up and start implementing the changes that will enable a transition to zero emissions. Aviation needs a revolution in policy and investments to shape its future. The global fuel industry is supported by $3 trillion a year. Instead of blaming airlines for air pollution, there is an urgent need for policy change. Why not direct these resources toward alternative fuels and the green industry?"

Behind the Scenes of the Low-Cost Giant

During Wizz Air's special media day, a visit was also held at the company's innovative training center, where, among other things, journalists had the opportunity to experience the professional flight simulator used for pilot training.

Photo: Amit Cotler

Journalists were also allowed to experience the activities of the air crews: evacuating an aircraft in case of emergency using slides, opening emergency doors of an aircraft, and more.

Photo: WIZZ AIR