Wizz air has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus whereby the two will now explore the potential for the operation of highly efficient, ultra-low-cost hydrogen-powered aircraft. The intention is for Wizz Air to gain a more profound knowledge of how zero-emission hydrogen-powered aircraft would impact the company’s current business model.
Operating one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets of aircraft, Wizz Air operates at the lowest CO2 passenger emissions per kilometre and if all airlines in Europe operated to the same standards, CO2 emissions from aviation would immediately be reduced by 34%.
Johan Eidhagen, Chief People & ESG Officer, Wizz Air said: “This momentous agreement with Airbus will advance sustainable aviation across the globe through development of ultra-efficient operations and business models of the future. We are absolutely thrilled and look forward to beginning our co-operation.”
Glenn Llewellyn, Vice President Zero Emission Aircraft, Airbus said: “Working with our customers is paramount to developing a climate-neutral, zero-emission aircraft by 2035. We are very pleased to have Wizz Air on board to collaborate on the ongoing research and development into the requirements for hydrogen aircraft operations within a hydrogen powered aviation ecosystem.”
In November 2021, Wizz Air signed an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of a further 102 A321 aircraft, comprising 75 A321neo and 27 Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The order received overwhelming approval by the shareholders in an extraordinary shareholder meeting held on 22 February 2022.
