Etihad Achieves Sustainability Targets, Reduces Greenhouse Emissions

Etihad has released its Sustainability Report 2020-2021, outlining the impact the company has had on the environment, and detailing its Sustainability strategy, represented by the Etihad Greenliner and Sustainable50 programmes.

The report demonstrates the potential advancements to be made in sustainable aviation by a wide range of initiatives, coordinated to achieve a 20% reduction in emissions intensity in its passenger fleet by 2025, cut 2019 net emissions by 50% by 2035, and reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Etihad 2020-2021 sustainability highlights

• Reduced total carbon emissions by 56% (due in part to reduced scheduled operations from pandemic impact)

• Launched the world’s most comprehensive industry-wide testing and innovation programme

• Became the first airline to secure commercial finance based on verified compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations

• Raised US$1.2 billion in the first sustainability-linked loan (SLL) tied to environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets in global aviation.

• Partnered with Boeing, Safran and NASA for eight days of specialised testing to enhance safety and reduce CO2 emissions and noise as part of 2020 ecoDemonstrator programme

• Operated five ecoFlights testing a range of operational efficiencies and onboard sustainability initiatives across its network

• Tested and implemented world first operational efficiencies and technology solutions including Jeppesen Flite Deck Advisor, SATAVIA contrail avoidance, GE Engine Foam Wash, eTech logs and lightweight Unit Load Devices

• Deployed 33 electric tractors with 37% of flights serviced by the new electric tractors

• Restructured Etihad’s fleet strategy to focus on modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, with the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 as the backbone of its fleet

• Launched the first aircraft carbon offset programme in the Middle East

• Continued efforts for Wildlife, Conservation and Protection of Biodiversity and Animal Welfare

• Set up the UAE Anti-Wildlife Tracking taskforce with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in the UAE and the Royal Foundation in the UK.

• Announced Etihad Mangroves Forrest project to establish carbon absorbing forests in every country Etihad operates

• Became official airline sponsor of the BGCI Global Biodiversity Standar

The full 2020-2021 Sustainability Report can be found on https://www.etihadaviationgroup.com/en-ae/sustainability or downloaded directly here