Etihad ecoDemonstrator Programme

In partnership with Boeing, Nasa and Safran Landing Systems, our ecoDemonstrator programme was the first to use a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner as a flying research station to trial new technologies that help make commercial flying safer and more sustainable.

Etihad's new Dreamliner’s complex testing equipment and efficiencies included:

  • More than 1,2000 microphones to test aircraft noise levels
  • Sanitising technology designed to help us combat COVID-19
  • 30 – 50% sustainable aviation fuels
  • Landing gear modifications designed by Safran to be quieter: perforated fairings covering part of the nose landing gear and airfoil-shaped fairings wrapped around struts on the main gear

Flying research station

Making air travel enviromentally-friendly is one of the biggest challenges we face. Working with strategic partners Boeing, NASA and Safran Landing Systems, the ecoDemonstrator flying research station hopes to:

  • Improve airspace efficiency
  • Reduce fuel use to cut CO2 emissions
  • Advance ways to reduce noise
  • Inform quieter aircraft design

Sustainability targets

Etihad and Boeing’s partnership on the ecoDemonstrator programme delivers on the airline’s commitment for its Boeing 787 Dreamliners to be a testbed for technology acceleration. The programme also demonstrates Etihad’s relentless commitment to sustainability.

Etihad is committed to a minimum target of zero net carbon emissions by 2050.
 

Relentless innovation

Our ecoDemonstrator programme is a testament to the innovation and drive for sustainable aviation that forms a core element of Etihad's values and long-term vision. Strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technologies will help us achieve our net zero carbon emissions by our 2050 target.

Airspace efficiencies

We’re flying with optimised flight routes and new systems that better connect pilots, air traffic control and airline operations centres to reduce CO2 emissions from fuel burn and enhance safety.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)

Our Sustainable Flight was powered by the world's highest volume of 50% SAF, avoiding 60 tonnes of CO2 .  All test flights were conducted on 30-50% SAF.

Aircraft noise reduction

Up to 30% of the noise from aircrafts approaching an airport is caused by air flowing around the landing gear. With over 1200 sensors, 214 external acoustic sensors, we collected data to reduce aviation noise.