Etihad Airways has operated its first ecoFlight for 2021 and is continuing research and testing to assess environmental sustainability initiatives on flights.
Etihad’s ecoFlight is the airline’s mission towards carbon-neutral flying under the Etihad Greenliner programme.
The trial focuses on sustainable products, incorporating initiatives identified on past ecoFlights to reduce single-use plastics and an overall weight reduction study.
The 2021 ecoFlight EY83, departed from Abu Dhabi for Rome on 17 April and tested a range of flight and engine optimisation initiatives.
The Rome ecoFlight saw the removal and replacement of single-use plastic items from the inflight service which led to a weight reduction of 108kg, saving 60kg carbon emissions.
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group said, "Etihad made a significant and tangible commitment to sustainability and the future of aviation over a year ago, first when we launched the Greenliner programme in partnership with Boeing, GE and other aviation leaders, then with our commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and halving our net emission levels by 2035."
Tony Douglas added, "Since then, and throughout the pandemic we have remained on track, with a number of ecoFlights during 2020. Now in 2021 we are stepping up our efforts so eco testing won’t be confined to quarterly dedicated ecoFlights, but instead an always on, ever present part of operations to test, refine and implement sustainability initiatives. This kind of incremental, real world testing is the foundation of the Greenliner programme, which will allow us to continue R&D efforts into decarbonisation opportunities. 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."