Etihad Airways to add five A350 aircraft to fleet

Etihad Airways will add five A350 aircraft to its fleet over the coming months as part of its bid to cut carbon emissions.

The airline unveiled the new Airbus A350-1000 on an inaugural commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at at 7.30am on Friday, with dignitaries, Etihad and Airbus representatives, media and trade partners on board.

The aircraft is the first A350 to be operated by a UAE airline.

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Tony 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 aircraft, named Sustainability50, has a livery which recognises the 50th anniversary of the federation of the UAE and Etihad’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

It will join the airline’s sustainability drive as part of a programme aimed at decarbonising aviation.

Mikail Houari, president of Airbus Africa and Middle East, added: “Etihad Airways has been a long-standing partner of Airbus in the UAE and we are excited to continue our collaboration.

“The A350-1000 is setting new standards of air travel, offering unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions.

“This marks the start of a promising new chapter for the UAE’s aviation sector, led by innovation and a commitment to sustainability.

“We look forward to many more years of partnership and working together to support Etihad Airways expand its network through our most technologically advanced and efficient aircraft.”