The first flight was from Abu Dhabi to Paris.
The future of sustainable flying has arrived to the present with the introduction of the new Airbus A350-1000 by Etihad Airways.
Completing an inaugural commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to Paris, the aircraft is the first A350 to be operated by a UAE airline, and the first of five A350s set to join Etihad’s fleet over the coming months.
Named Sustainability 50 in reference to the 50th anniversary of the UAE, the aircraft is a part of the airline’s sustainability drive to decarbonise aviation.
A Rolls-Royce Trent XWB powers the Airbus A350 which burns 25 per cent less fuel and CO2 emissions than previous generation twin aisle aircraft.
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Formed as a partnership between Etihad, Airbus and Rolls Royce in 2021, the Sustainability50 programme will see Etihad’s A350s used as flying testbeds of new initiatives, procedures and technologies to reduce carbon emissions, building on the learnings derived from Etihad’s similar Greenliner programme for the Boeing B787 aircraft type.
Speaking on the unveiling of the aircraft Tong Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer said; “The Airbus A350 is an absolutely incredible aircraft, and we are proud to introduce it into the Etihad Airways network today.
“Our teams have worked closely together to craft a product and travel proposition that will ensure every journey with Etihad is a choice well made – both for our guests and for the planet.
“With highly efficient fuel consumption and CO2 savings, the A350 will support our goals to reduce carbon emissions and deliver an unmatched flight experience for our guests.”
The airline’s new A350-1000s will be deployed on a number of short to mid-range routes in Q2, including Mumbai and Delhi, before being introduced on ultra-long-haul operations to Chicago and New York from July.
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