Etihad launches eco-friendly inflight experience
Etihad Airways will soon be rolling out an eco-friendly Economy class experience with its new range of soft furnishings and tableware, which have been designed with sustainability and guests’ comfort in mind.
The new products will be launched on board in the fourth quarter of the year, the airline said as it unveiled the green inflight experience on the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market on Monday,
The new soft furnishings for all guests in Economy include a 35 per cent larger pillow with a 200 thread-count cotton cover made locally in the UAE. This is complemented by a soft blanket made from recycled plastic for additional comfort on all flights.
Etihad’s new dining experience features reusable tableware made from recycled high-quality plastic and eliminates the use of singleuse plastic.
The tray, serving plates and their lids are part of a closed loop recycling system. At the end of their lifecycle, they are collected, washed, ground and reused to make new replacement products.
Etihad is also introducing quality stainless-steel cutlery into the Economy cabin, which upgrades the experience and also reduces single-use plastic.
In 2019, Etihad pledged to remove 80 per cent of single-use plastic from its operation by the end of 2022 and the introduction of this newin-flightequipmentensuresthat the airline meets this sustainability goal. Where possible, Etihad is also moving towards locally produced
items. Terry Daly, executive director for guest experience, brand and marketing, said: “Following extensive research and development over the past few years, we’re proud to reveal the first in a series of enhancements to our inflight experience.