Test flights enable us to trial and develop advanced sustainability solutions in real-life situations.
Our Eco Flights have been instrumental in our learning about the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, adjusting flight paths for optimal efficiency and practicing continuous descent to reduce fuel consumption and noise.
The history of our ecoFlights:
Our Sustainable Flight from London to Abu Dhabi on 23 October 2021 brought together all the learnings of our Eco Flights. It tackled all the measures outlined by CORSIA, including operational efficiencies, Sustainable Aviation Fuels and carbon credits. Here are a few of its successes:
On 13 November 2022, we flew our first net zero carbon flight from Washington to Abu Dhabi during COP27. That’s 10,000km emission-free.
In Partnership with World Energy, the NetZero flight used conventional Jet-A1 fuel, and we purchased SAF to be used by other airlines out of LAX. That’s because LAX has the infrastructure to take delivery of and distribute World Energy’s SAF.
This is known as the book and claim system; a solution that makes SAF available for global aviation until infrastructure requirements can catch up and is scrupulously verified through the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials.
As part of the Etihad Greenliner Programme, we launched our first Eco Flight back in 2019, and later our Sustainable Flight in October 2021 – the most environmentally-friendly flight in our history.
From optimised flight routes and flight efficiencies, to using sustainable fuels and managing secondary flight emissions; our Sustainable Flights have a significantly lower impact on the planet.
powered by sustainable fuels
in primary carbon emissions
fewer single-use plastics
carbon offset
After the success of our Sustainable Flight in 2021, we’re going on step further.
On 13 November, we flew our first net zero carbon flight from Washington to Abu Dhabi during COP27.
That’s 10,000km emission-free.
Together with World Energy, we’ll book and claim Sustainable Aviation Fuel partnered by DVW.
The NetZero flight will use conventional Jet-A1 fuel, and the SAF we purchase will be used on flights by other airlines out of LAX. That’s because LAX has the infrastructure to take delivery of and distribute World Energy’s SAF.
This is known as the book and claim system.
Book and claim is the preferred model for SAF use and distribution, advocated for by the aviation and energy industries.
It’s a solution that makes SAF available for global aviation until infrastructure requirements can catch up and is scrupulously verified through the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials.
The Etihad Greenliner Programme is our commitment to sustainability – with an entire fleet of innovative Boeing 787 Greenliners dedicated to trialling and testing sustainable initiatives in aviation.
Working with our partners, the programme has enabled us to introduce pioneering products and procedures across our operations.
Our eco-friendly Sustainable Flight trialled GE’s 360 Foam Wash to optimise engine performance and reduce CO2 emissions by removing dirt.
We’re trialling the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels to reduce carbon emissions as much as possible.
As part of our operational efficiencies, we alter our approach to the airport before landing to reduce noise and CO2 emissions.
Contrails significantly contribute to global warming. So, we partnered with Satavia to trial cutting-edge software that reduces them.
Mangrove forests are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet and they play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
That’s why we launched the Etihad Mangrove Forest in 2022. And why we adopt a mangrove in Abu Dhabi’s lush Jubail Mangrove Park for every seat sold on our Sustainable Flight in 2021.
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By choosing to fly with us, you’ve chosen an airline that has made sustainability a pillar of our future growth and expansion. We’re committed to doing everything we can take to protect our planet for future generations, and we’d love you to join us.
There are plenty of ways for you to get involved and help make flying more sustainable.
Through our partnership with CarbonClick, you can offset your carbon emissions when you fly and help us support projects that fight climate change. You can even donate your Etihad Guest Miles.
By carrying even just a little less baggage, you’ll help to reduce your carbon footprint.
With our handy app, you’ll never need to print your boarding pass again. Instead, download it straight to your phone.
Sign up for tips about travelling sustainably and hear more about the steps we’re taking to reduce the environmental impact of flying.
