December 9, 2020
2 mins read

Etihad launches aircraft carbon offset programme

 Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has committed to purchasing carbon offsets, to completely neutralise the CO2 emissions of its flagship “Greenliner” 787-10 aircraft for a full year of operations in 2021.

The initiative is the start of the airline’s journey to reduce CO2 emissions to 50 percent of 2019 levels by 2035, and to achieve full net zero emissions by 2050 – a first for any airline in the Gulf and one of the first to set a target of this scale in the industry. Separately the airline will implement an additional voluntary offset programme for passengers via its website (etihad.com) in 2021.

Etihad’s Greenliner carbon offset programme has been sourced in partnership with Respira, an international carbon offset finance house specialising in tailored offset schemes across multiple sectors. Etihad’s plan is centred on a Tanzanian forestry project and will initially purchase 80,000 tonnes of CO2 offsets.

The Makame Savannah REDD project – developed by Carbon Tanzania – employs a unique community-based model to curb deforestation and promote better management of local natural resources across over 100,000 hectares in the southern extension of the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem.

The offset scheme is verified and certified by VERRA, an independent carbon offset quality assurance body, under its Verified Carbon Standard. This ensures carbon offsets are quantifiable, additional, and fully sustainable. In addition, the Tanzanian project conforms to Climate, Community and Biodiversity standards, which protect endangered species and local communities. The scheme’s first offset vintages were certified in early November 2020.

Tony Douglas, Etihad Aviation Group CEO, said: “It’s encouraging to end a difficult year with such a positive move for the sustainable future of aviation. While the year brought many challenges, sustainability has remained at the top of our agenda, and the work hasn’t stopped. Expect to see more ground-breaking initiatives in 2021 as we learn the environmental lessons from initiatives with our Greenliner fleet and other sustainability initiatives”.

The launch of the Greenliner carbon offset programme complements Etihad’s ongoing work to develop and test Sustainable Aviation Fuels, SAFs, with the goal of making them commercially viable for widespread adoption by the industry.

Ana Haurie, CEO of Respira, said: “Respira offers a fresh approach to the carbon market by aligning the interests of project developers, buyers and capital providers. In this way we create win-win outcomes for all stakeholders. It is a privilege to work with Etihad, which has shown real commitment to its sustainability goals through what is a challenging period for the airline industry.”

Also Read: EL AL, Etihad Airways to deepen cooperation

Also Read: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad to fly direct to Israel in 2021

Previous Story

Mahie Prefers To Do Less But Good Work

Next Story

NZ’s tourism faces worst crisis amid pandemic

Latest from Arab News

Israel Orders Tough Response to Hamas

The decision follows Hamas’s continued refusal to release Israeli hostages…reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to “take decisive

Border Tensions Ease as Syria, Lebanon Reach Truce

The announcement on Monday follows a recent escalation between Syria and Hezbollah…reports Asian Lite News Syria and Lebanon reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire along their shared border and enhance military

Palestinians Seek Help to End Israeli Siege 

The Palestinian Ministry of National Economy: “We remind the entire world that Israel is refusing to allow the entry of basic health and humanitarian needs, especially water, electricity, and food, to the

UAE Celebrates Emirati Children’s Day

The United Arab Emirates is celebrating Emirati Children’s Day today, reaffirming its dedication to nurturing a safe and supportive environment for the nation’s children. This annual occasion highlights the UAE’s commitment to

US pullback on Gaza plan welcomed 

The Hamas movement also responded positively, stating that the reversal was a welcome move….reports Asian Lite News Palestinian, Jordanian, and Egyptian officials have welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to abandon his
Go toTop