Low-cost carrier Wizz Air has announced plans to replace its Luton-based fleet with A321 neo aircraft by 2025.
The airline has 11 aircraft stationed at London Luton airport, six of which are A321 neos along with three A321 ceos and two A320 ceo aircraft.
Decommissioned aircraft from LLA will rejoin Wizz Air’s global fleet until 2027, after which they will be replaced by new A321 neo aircraft.
The A321 neo aircraft is configured with 239 seats and, according to Wizz Air, offers a nearly 50 per cent reduction in noise footprint, 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and half the amount of nitrogen oxide emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.
Yvonne Moynihan, corporate and ESG officer at Wizz Air commented:
“Replacing older aircraft at our London Luton Airport base with the newest and more fuel-efficient Airbus A321 neo is part of our long-term fleet renewal strategy to reduce carbon intensity by 25 per cent by 2030. We are delighted to work together with London Luton Airport on finding new solutions that help us to reach our targets.”
Meanwhile, Luton airport has set itself the goal of achieving net zero by 2040 for its airport emissions. Its commitments include generating 25 per cent of electricity from on-site renewable sources by the end of 2026, using 100 per cent low carbon vehicles by 2030 and transitioning to low carbon heat from 2030.
Jonathan Rayner, CCO at London Luton Airport, added:
“We are delighted to have secured this agreement with Wizz Air that adds to the growing number of quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft that are now based at London Luton Airport.
“Alongside our own commitment to sustainable aviation, and our ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2040 for our airport emissions, Wizz Air’s investment in these next generation aircraft is an example of the way in which we are working with airlines to enable the reduction of overall carbon emissions across our airport. Preparations are well under way for the busy summer ahead and our teams are focused, as ever, on delivering a simple and friendly passenger experience.”
