Greener fuels lower emissions

In early 2020, we announced our ambitious goal of zero net emissions by 2050, and to halving our 2019 net emission levels by 2035. Hitting these targets will not be easy, but we are wholeheartedly committed to making them.

Carbon reduction and offsets

Etihad is signed to both the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) with ICAO; as well as the European Union Emissions Trade Scheme (EU-ETS), which enforces carbon neutral growth for international aviation.

 

Etihad is focused on significant and meaningful change, and is dedicated to repairing the damage aviation has on the environment. We are seeking projects with Gold Standard ratings which benefit the world not only through CO2 offsetting, but by improving the lives of others in their communities. Offering to share the efforts with our guests and allow them to individually offset their flights is a way to have a larger impact and to come together for sustainability.

Read our CO2 emission statement

Fuel efficiency programme

Our dedicated Fuel Efficiency Steering Committee focuses on implementing fuel-saving initiatives across the business, with multiple, dedicated working groups looking closely at fuel-saving initiatives. These range from reducing weight – such as potable water and duty-free items – to running studies on crew baggage and average passenger weights for selected A380 routes to optimise fuel loading.

 

At the same time, Etihad is actively optimising approach, flight level and continuous descent and ascent operations on our routes to save fuel. We also use the latest digital navigation charts and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) burn management methods to find the most efficient ways of flying.

Sustainable alternative fuels

By supporting the development of alternative, sustainable fuels, we're able to significantly reduce our carbon emissions.

We are a founding partner of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC), and a founding partner of Abu Dhabi’s Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC). Together with Khalifa University, Boeing, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), General Electric, Safran and Bauer Resources, we’re identifying feedstock for sustainable alternative fuel for the aviation industry, such as leading the development of saltwater-tolerant plants, the oil of which is used to produce biofuel.

Our flagship Etihad Greenliner arrived into Abu Dhabi with a 30% biofuel blend, further proving our commitment to Sustainable Alternative Fuels.

These initiatives are progressive and exciting, and Etihad will continue to participate in research flights to help expedite bringing alternative fuels to market. 

Weight reduction

While remaining a true feat of human engineering, air travel contributes 2% of global man-made CO2 emissions.

Weight reduction is just one way of tackling carbon emissions, as lighter aircraft mean less fuel burn, therefore less emissions.

Fleet

We have one of the youngest fleets in the world, and we continue to invest in the latest-technology aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, while progressively retiring older, less-efficient types.

On average, the Boeing 787-9 is over 60% more fuel-efficient per trip, and up to 35% more efficient per seat than similar aircraft – that’s why they’re the flagship of our passenger fleet.

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Wellness

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