The aviation finance and leasing community gathered at London’s Natural History Museum to celebrate the Airline Economics Sustainability Awards 2025, recognising the individuals and organisations leading the charge toward a more sustainable aviation industry.
Hosted by Airline Economics and sponsored by Estuaire, the awards spotlighted excellence in environmental performance, innovation, and leadership. Winners were selected through a rigorous process combining industry-wide survey results with detailed sustainability data provided by Estuaire, in collaboration with the Airline Economics+ and the Airline Economics editorial team.
“The Sustainability Awards are a testament to the aviation industry's growing commitment to decarbonisation,” said Victoria Tozer-Pennington, Editor and Co-Founder of Airline Economics. “We are proud to spotlight the companies and individuals who are not only setting ambitious goals but also delivering real results.”
Wizz Air was named Sustainability Airline of the Year for its consistent and transparent efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The airline’s investment in next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft and its operational focus on environmental performance were key factors in securing this top honour.
Dorottya Durucsko, head of government affairs and sustainability at Wizz Air, said:
“We are honoured to receive the award of Sustainable Airline of the Year 2025. This award is a testament to the dedication of our colleagues and the progress we are making on our journey to Net Zero. We will continue investing in new aircraft technology, partnering to scale the production of sustainable aviation fuel and advocating for airspace reform. Recognition from Airline Economics and Estuaire strengthens our belief that we are on the right path of strengthening ecosystem of aviation. Let’s WIZZ!”
The Sustainability Innovation Award went to the Aviation EU Taxonomy Best Practices Manual, a collaborative effort by AWG and IATA, prepared by sector specialist law firm Watson Farley & Williams. This pioneering manual provides essential guidance for aligning aviation finance with EU sustainability standards, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
WFW Global Aviation and Aerospace Sector Head Jim Bell commented: “We’re honoured to be so recognised by Airline Economics. From driving best practices around sustainability to advising on innovative sustainability-linked financing structures, we remain dedicated to supporting our clients and partners across the aviation sector in achieving their sustainability ambitions.”
David Swan, Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital, was recognised as Sustainability Leader of the Year. His strategic leadership and commitment to sustainability in a way that maintains human connectivity while continuing to support economic growth has made him a standout figure in the sector.
The Sustainability Team of the Year award was presented to the Pegasus Airlines Treasury Team in recognition of Pegasus’ value creation through a holistic approach and cross-functional ESG strategy including its climate transition roadmap, gender balance initiatives, and strong governance structure with transparent reporting practices.
Barbaros Kubatoğlu, CFO of Pegasus Airlines, said: “These awards reflect Pegasus Airlines’ long-term commitment to building a financially resilient, innovative and sustainability driven airline. By embedding sustainability into layers of our financial strategy, from treasury operations to ESG-linked structures, we’re not just adapting to the future, we’re helping to shape it. This recognition belongs to our teams whose collaboration and innovation continue to set new standards in aviation finance.”
SMBC Aviation Capital was named Sustainability Aircraft Lessor of the Year, reflecting its leadership in sustainability including investments in lower emissions aircraft, sustainability reporting and its partnership with Trinity College, Dublin who oversee the EU EASA Sustainable Aviation Fuel clearing house located at their HQ in Dublin.
Société Générale earned the title of Sustainability Aviation Bank of the Year for its continued support of green financing initiatives and its role in structuring landmark sustainable aviation transactions.
Finally, Watson Farley Williams was awarded Sustainability Aviation Law Firm of the Year for its legal expertise in supporting sustainable finance structures and regulatory compliance across the aviation sector.
