London Luton Airport Leads in Adopting Sustainable Aviation

This summer, London Luton Airport (LLA) is leading the trend of adopting the most next-generation aircraft in Europe. The airport has operated more fuel-efficient and quieter aircraft compared to any other major European airport.

According to data collected from aviation intelligence and data specialist RDC Aviation, more than a third (33.5%) of all flights from LLA were operated using Airbus Neo or Boeing Max variants between April and August 2023, reducing emissions by up to 20%.

In 2023, LLA is working with three of the largest airlines to double their next-generation fleet operating at the airport. In April, Ryanair announced the addition of three new 737 8200 (MAX) aircraft to the LLA fleet. Wizz Air is planning to increase the number of Airbus A321 Neos in its LLA fleet to 100% by 2025. easyJet has also increased the number of Airbus Neo operating flights from LLA.

Alberto Martin, the Chief Executive Officer at London Luton Airport, commented, “The analysis from leading aviation data provider RDC, highlights the significant strides that London Luton Airport is making as we look to work more sustainably with airlines. As well as our own commitment to achieve Net Zero carbon for our own airport emissions by 2040, we are working closely with our airlines to reduce their emissions and the agreements secured this year with easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz represent important milestones in our sustainable aviation strategy.”

Yvonne Moynihan, the Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air, added, “We are already leading in sustainability, operating the youngest fleet in Europe in the most efficient way. London is an important market for Wizz Air, and we are confident that fleet renewal is a key solution available here and now to reduce emissions from aviation. Currently, the newest and more fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo accounts for over 60% of our total fleet at London Luton Airport. Replacing older generation aircraft with newer technology is part of our long-term fleet renewal strategy to reduce carbon intensity by 25% by 2030. As LLA’s largest operator, we are delighted to work on finding new and innovative solutions that help us reach our targets together, collectively as an industry.”

The data shows that the increase in next-generation aircraft accounted for 33.52% of total departures from LLA, ahead of second-place Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport and third-placed Lisbon Airport, with Milan Orio Al Serio and Athens Eleftherios Venizelos making up the top five.

For further information on London Luton Airport’s plan to achieve net zero in its emissions by 2040, click here. And for more travel-related updates and news, follow NCL Travel.