UAE’s Etihad to cut 2019 net emissions by 50% by 2035

The UAE’s Etihad Airways seeks to cut the 2019 net emissions by 50% by 2035 under ambitious plans to reach net zero emissions by 2050, according to the airliner’s Sustainability Report 2020-2021.

The report outlined the impact the company has had on the environment, and detailed its Sustainability strategy, represented by the Etihad Greenliner and Sustainable50 programs.

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.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Our sustainability report highlights our insistence on harnessing the opportunities that are available today, and commits to continuing to find solutions for the future. Many partners joined us on this journey over the last two years, and this report demonstrates the potential we have collectively, with an ambition to set the direction for 2022 and beyond.”

“We need to be bold in facing this issue. We need to be decisive. There is no other way forward. That is why we have been insistent that we continue to focus on the question as a long-term strategic priority for our business, spearheaded by the Etihad Greenliner and Sustainabile50 programs.”

Etihad 2020-2021 sustainability achievements:

Etihad managed to reduce its total carbon emissions by 56% (due in part to reduced scheduled operations from pandemic impact) and launch the world’s most comprehensive industry-wide testing and innovation program.

It also became the first airline to secure commercial finance based on verified compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, the report said, noting that it raised $1.2 billion in the first sustainability-linked loan (SLL) tied to environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets in global aviation.

Etihad Airways also partnered with Boeing, Safran and NASA for eight days of specialized testing to enhance safety and reduce CO2 emissions and noise as part of 2020 ecoDemonstrator program.

It also operated five ecoFlights testing a range of operational efficiencies and onboard sustainability initiatives across its network.

Moreover, it 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.

It also deployed 33 electric tractors with 37% of flights serviced by the new electric tractors in addition to restructuring its fleet strategy to focus on modern, fuel efficient aircraft, with the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 as the backbone of its fleet.

Etihad Airway launched the first aircraft carbon offset program in the Middle East and continued efforts for Wildlife, Conservation and Protection of Biodiversity and Animal Welfare.

It also 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.

The airliner also announced Etihad Mangroves Forest project to establish carbon absorbing forests in every country Etihad operates and was the first official airline to sponsor  the BGCI Global Biodiversity Standard.