Etihad has launched a new Abu Dhabi Perfect Flight Program as part of its ongoing commitment to minimise its environmental impact.
Unveiled this month, the program saw the airline conduct a fuel-optimised ‘Perfect Flight’ between Abu Dhabi and Washington, DC.
The airline worked closely with more than 30 stakeholders including civil aviation authorities, airports, ground service providers and air navigation providers, along the entire flight of over 11,000 kilometres, which took 13 hours and 32 minutes – one of Etihad Airways’ longest routes.
This flight, the first of a series of perfect flights, was operated by Etihad Airways’ eco-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner and used a host of fuel and emission-saving measures in the air and on the ground.
These include optimised ground handling at both ends of the journey and maximising efficiency opportunities in route and altitude selection.
As a result, the airline saved an estimated eight minutes on the route, 4,100 litres of fuel and 10,700 kilograms of carbon emissions, compared to the same aircraft flying a normal flight plan.
Other environmental best practices include reducing the use of the onboard auxiliary power unit (APU), minimising on-ground delays, utilising expedient taxi and preferential runways and conducting unimpeded climb and descent paths. Real-time updates of current weather and wind conditions also allowed the flight crew to optimise their flight path.
The airline’s President, James Hogan, said the airline is seeking new ways to optimise its flights and improve sustainability.
“We are very pleased to combine our efforts with several industry partners, to improve the efficiency and sustainability of aviation through the implementation of modern aircraft technology and smarter flight procedures, intended to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.”
James Hogan, Etihad President and Chief Executive
Last week, Qantas also went down the green path, by cutting emissions on all domestic flights during World Environment Day.
