On the Up: What’s next for Wizz Air?

Wizz Air is a company on the up in every sense of the phrase. Connecting 228 destinations across 56 countries, the Hungary-based budget carrier has undergone rapid expansion across Western Europe and since it was founded in 2003 has made a name for itself as one of the leading competitors in the world of no-frills air travel.

In June 2022, Wizz Air was named the most sustainable low-cost airline at the World Finance Sustainability Awards due to its impressive commitment to offsetting its carbon footprint through fuel-saving initiatives and an ambitious fleet renewal program.

This combination of assured sustainability and affordability alongside fresh new management has seen the airline rise from the ashes of the pandemic and continue to soar.

Creative outsourcing management

Since his recent appointment as Wizz Air’s chief executive officer, Jozsef Varadi has been keen to outsource much of its ground operations and administration.

One such partnership is with Menzies Aviation who have played a pivotal role when it comes to developing Wizz Air’s environmental commitments. The global provider of passenger, ramp, and cargo handling services has been assisting the airline with its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and CO2 Emissions.

One particularly impressive endeavor is the introduction of fully electric turnarounds which are being currently trialled at Budapest airport. Electric turns use electronically powered systems for steering and turning on the ground. These electrically actuated systems can reduce on-the-ground carbon emissions by around 80% per aircraft when compared to using diesel-powered or traditional hydraulic systems.

Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air said:

“We are the first airline at Budapest Airport to perform fully electric turns thanks to our partnership with Menzies Aviation.  It demonstrates another step in our target to further reduce our CO2 intensity by 25% by 2030”

A successful relationship with Budapest Airport

2022 was an eventful, yet successful year for Budapest Airport. Despite unforeseen geopolitical issues, an economic slowdown, and the effects of the energy crises, over 75% of its pre-COVID passenger traffic was recovered with over 12.2 million passengers jetting off from the airport.

Despite the upheaval, the airport has remained ambitious and has, like Wizz Air, been a front-runner in the promotion of an electric-first approach, with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint of its operations.