Etihad Airways Inaugurates its New Airbus A350 'Sustainability50' With a Trip to Paris

The latest 'sustainable' Etihad Airways trip from Abu Dhabi to Paris is an unquestionable proof that luxury, sustainability, and aviation can coexist together.

Highlights:

By the peak summer season, next-generation aircraft will be deployed to important North American and Indian locations.

'Sustainability50' initiative aimed at increasing operational efficiency and assisting Etihad in its decarbonisation efforts.

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi - On a special first commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to Paris, Etihad Airways revealed its new Airbus A350-1000, registration A6-XWB. This is the first A350 flown by a UAE airline and the first of five A350s scheduled to join Etihad's fleet in the following months.

At 7.30 a.m., the first flight from Abu Dhabi to Paris Charles de Gaulle left with a group comprised of diplomatic officials, Etihad and Airbus executives, members of the press, trade partners, and other VIPs.The flight took place on 31st March 2022.

"The Airbus A350 is a fantastic aircraft, and we are thrilled to bring it to the Etihad Airways network today," said Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer. Our teams have collaborated extensively to develop a product and travel offer that will guarantee that every trip with Etihad is a wise decision - for our passengers and the environment. With its ultra-low fuel usage and CO2 emissions, the A350 will help us achieve our carbon reduction targets while providing an outstanding flying experience for our visitors."

"Etihad Airways has been a long-standing Airbus partner in the UAE, and we are thrilled to continue our relationship,"

The A350-1000 redefines air travel by delivering unmatched operating economy, with a 25% decrease in fuel consumption and emissions. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the UAE's aviation industry, one that will be defined by innovation and a dedication to sustainability. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and assisting Etihad Airways in expanding its network by using our most technologically advanced and efficient aircraft."

Sustainability50

The aircraft, dubbed Sustainability50, has a one-of-a-kind livery in commemoration of the UAE's 50th anniversary of independence and Etihad's ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It will join the airline's industry-leading environmental initiative as part of a decarbonisation initiative.

The Sustainability50 programme, which will be launched in 2021 as a collaboration between Etihad, Airbus, and Rolls Royce, will use Etihad's A350s as flying testbeds for new initiatives, procedures, and technologies to reduce carbon emissions, building on the lessons learned from Etihad's similar Greenliner programme for the Boeing B787 aircraft type.

Powerful yet Efficient

The Airbus A350 powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB is one of the most efficient aircraft types in the world, using 25% less fuel and emitting 25% less CO2 than previous-generation dual aisle aircraft.

Etihad and Airbus have formalised a collaboration on sustainability in a variety of sectors, including the promotion and commercialization of sustainable aviation fuel, waste and weight management, and the development of data-driven analysis.

"We created our sustainability programme as a vehicle for collaboration, and our strategic partnership with Airbus enables us to leverage the A350's sustainability credentials through the Sustainability50 programme as we work toward our shared goal of reducing aviation's environmental impact,"

Strong Network

The airline's new A350-1000s will first operate on short- to medium-haul routes, including Mumbai and Delhi, before being launched on ultra-long-haul flights to Chicago and New York in July.

Passenger Comfort

The aircraft is equipped with Etihad's most recent cabin interior, which is inspired by Abu Dhabi and is designed to be more economical and sustainable. Etihad is famous for its high-quality aircraft, and the A350 is brimming with thoughtful design features that improve passenger comfort and privacy.

Etihad's trademark lighting scheme is inspired by the shadows generated by the palm palms in Abu Dhabi. 

The cabin lighting is meant to replicate natural ambient light and is intended to improve the visitor experience, provide an optimal sleeping environment, and alleviate the symptoms of jetlag. Additionally, the Airbus A350 delivers the quietest interior experience available in a wide-body aircraft.

Another element that contributes to the reduction of light pollution and hence jetlag is the new dark-mode interface on the E-BOX inflight entertainment system. Additionally, the aircraft has mobile and Wi-Fi connection.

Etihad's 'Little VIP' younger visitors will love the recently announced Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi themed family-friendly flying experience, which includes a new interactive flight map feature that allows youngsters to explore the maps with the assistance of some Jurassic-age buddies.

First-class service

The raised Business class has 44 Business Studios with sliding doors that offer each unit with a high degree of seclusion. Each seat faces forward and provides easy access to the aisle. The Business class seat, which measures more than 20 inches wide, turns into a fully-flat bed measuring 79 inches in length and has enough storage.

Noise-canceling headphones and an 18.5" television screen provide a cinematic environment in which to enjoy Etihad's vast inflight entertainment selection. The Business chairs are equipped with an integrated wireless charging station and Bluetooth headphone pairing.

Business class passengers may choose from a carefully chosen à la carte menu, while longer-haul passengers can take advantage of Etihad's unique 'eat whenever' service.

Classe économique

Etihad's roomy Economy cabin has 327 smart seats set in a 3-3-3 configuration, with 45 'Economy Space' seats with an extra 4 inches of legroom. Etihad picked the Crystal Cabin Award-winning chairs after conducting extensive user testing and evaluating their comfort and environmental qualities. The seats are equipped with Etihad's distinctive supportive headrest, USB charging, and Bluetooth headphone pairing, as well as a 13.3-inch screen for viewing Etihad's award-winning inflight entertainment system.

On longer flights, guests get extra blankets and pillows, as well as amenity packages, in addition to complementary food and drinks supplied by Etihad's award-winning cabin crew.