Last week was a huge milestone for the UAE’s national carrier. As well as celebrating 15 years of flying to and from Australia, Etihad Airways also unveiled its first Airbus A350-1000 on an inaugural commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to Paris.
The Sustainability50 named 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.
As a new era of post-pandemic travel begins, Etihad is moving away from operating its fleet of giant Airbus A380s and onto more nimble, longer range, more fuel-efficient and sustainable aircraft, including the Boeing Dreamliner 787s and the Airbus A350.
Why is that, you ask? Here are a few more reasons.
Why Sustainability50?
Etihad’s first Airbus A350 is named Sustainability50 and carries a unique livery in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the federation of the UAE and Etihad’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The aircraft will join the airline’s industry-leading sustainability drive as part of a programme to decarbonise aviation.
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.
The goal is to build on the learnings derived from Etihad’s similar Greenliner programme for the Boeing 787 aircraft.
The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-powered Airbus A350 is one of the most efficient aircraft types globally, with 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous-generation twin-aisle aircraft.
Etihad also recently established a formal framework with Airbus to collaborate on sustainability across several areas, including promoting and commercialising sustainable aviation fuel, waste and weight management, and developing data-driven analysis.
The guest experience
The aircraft features Etihad’s newest cabin interior inspired by Abu Dhabi and is more efficient and sustainable in design.
Etihad’s signature lighting design is also inspired by the shadows cast by Abu Dhabi’s palm trees. The cabin lighting emulates natural ambient light and is designed to provide an optimum environment for sleeping and reduce the effects of jetlag.
The Airbus A350 reportedly also offers the quietest cabin experience for a wide-body aircraft.
Another feature to help reduce light pollution, and therefore jetlag, is the new dark-mode interface on the E-BOX inflight entertainment system. Mobile and Wi-Fi connectivity is also available throughout the aircraft.
Etihad’s ‘Little VIP’ younger guests will get to enjoy the newly launched Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi themed family-friendly flying experience. Another unique feature of this aircraft is the new interactive flight map feature which means children can explore the maps with the help of some Jurassic-age friends.
Flying Business-class
The elevated Business class is home to 44 Business Studios with new additional sliding doors that provide a high level of privacy to each suite. Every seat faces forward with direct aisle access.
With a width of over 20″, the Business class seat converts into a fully-flat bed of 79″ in length and features ample storage for convenience.
Noise-cancelling headphones and an 18.5″ TV screen provide a cinematic experience to enjoy Etihad’s extensive inflight entertainment. The Business seats also feature a built-in wireless charging dock and Bluetooth headphone pairing if you bring your own.
Business-class guests can also choose from a carefully curated à la carte menu, and guests on longer flights can enjoy Etihad’s signature ‘dine anytime’ service.
Flying Economy
Etihad’s spacious Economy cabin is configured with 327 smart seats in a 3-3-3 arrangement, of which 45 ‘Economy Space’ seats have been enhanced with an additional 4 inches of legroom.
The Crystal Cabin Award-winning seats were selected after extensive customer trials by Etihad and based on their comfort and sustainability credentials.
The seats feature Etihad’s signature supportive headrest, USB charging and Bluetooth headphone pairing, and a 13.3″ inch screen to enjoy Etihad’s award-winning inflight entertainment system.
The airline’s new A350-1000s will be deployed on a number of short to mid-range routes from Abu Dhabi, including Mumbai and Delhi, before being introduced on ultra-long-haul operations to Chicago and New York from July.
For more, head to www.etihad.com