ETIHAD OPERATES FIRST 2021 ECOFLIGHT

The flight was operated by the airline’s signature Greenliner aircraft, which is fully offset for all operations throughout 2021 as part of the airline’s mission toward carbon neutral flying.

On board, the trial focused on three key pillars: sustainable products, incorporating initiatives identified on past ecoFlights to reduce single-use plastics, and an overall weight reduction study.

The Rome ecoFlight saw the removal and replacement of 1,731 single-use plastic items from onboard service, with a weight reduction of 108kg, saving 60kg CO2 emissions. It also showcased Al Ain

Water’s sustainable plant-based water bottles and Abu Dhabi based startup ‘ The Concept’s’ sustainable inflight meal trays made from used water bottles, as well as up-cycled bamboo toothbrushes from the BambuuBrush.

Etihad Airways has operated its first ecoFlight for 2021, continuing research and testing under the Etihad Greenliner programme to assess environmental sustainability initiatives during scheduled services.

Etihad’s fourth ecoFlight departed Abu Dhabi for Rome on April 17, testing a range of flight and engine optimisation initiatives, as well as onboard product enhancements to reduce weight and singleuse plastics, with successful trials to be incorporated into regular scheduled operations.

This isn’t about solving only Etihad’s emissions, but about supporting the entire industry to address the biggest challenge we face over the next three decades.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group