The airline also surveyed passengers during the SAF trial flights to gauge their awareness of and views on low carbon aviation, including sustainable aviation fuels. But it found their knowledge was minimal, and concluded more effective communication was required to build public understanding of and support for decarbonising European air transport.
Of the passengers surveyed on the flights, the airline said 71% “believe in the positive impact of SAF in reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint” but added that only 45% were familiar with SAF before the survey.
As well, 74% of respondents were unaware of the EU SAF blending mandate, which took effect on 1 January, but 72% supported government investment to help scale SAF production.
The survey also reflected “environmental trade-offs” by passengers, with 58% of respondents saying they considered changing their travel habits for environmental reasons.
But while 65% of respondents said they would prefer lower emission flights, 36% were unwilling to pay more to help achieve that outcome.
“It’s encouraging to see that 71% recognised SAF’s positive impact and are willing to engage with sustainable practices,” said Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air’s Corporate and ESG Officer. “However, many respondents highlighted a need for greater clarity in SAF’s role in decarbonisation, its cost implications and the role of regulation.”
Julien Manhes, Head of the SAF and Carbon Dioxide Removal division at Airbus, said the industry needed to increase demand for and supply of SAF to reduce the price gap with conventional aviation fuel.
“The insights gathered in the survey emphasise this from a passenger perspective,” he said, “and the importance of the aviation ecosystem – including airlines, airports, regulators, manufacturers and fuel producers – working together to bring clarity and actively engage passengers in decarbonisation efforts.
“This calls for a collective effort through regulatory compliance, more fuel-efficient aircraft and operations, and passenger awareness initiatives.”
Álvaro Macarro, Director of Sustainable Aviation at Moeve, made clear that both industry and policy action were vital to progress SAF adoption, while also recognising lack of public awareness and sensitivities to price.
“While passengers are increasingly aware of environmental trade-offs, affordability and awareness remain significant barriers,” he said.
“We are committed to working alongside our partners like Wizz Air to scale up SAF production and improve public understanding. Government support is essential to bridge the gap between current capabilities and future demand, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally responsible aviation industry.”
Quentin Evrard, Sustainable Development Manager at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, called for airlines not only to meet EU SAF blending mandates but to exceed them, and revealed that his airport was working on a financial incentive for airlines, as well as working with government to facilitate local production and delivery of SAF.
“It is important to continue operations while maintaining the environment as a priority,” he said.
