Etihad unveils new sustainable economy upgrade

Etihad Airways has unveiled a new sustainable economy upgrade with new soft furnishings and tableware which will be launched onboard in the fourth quarter of the year. The new products have been designed with sustainability and improved guest experience as primary objectives the airline said. The announcement was made on the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market, a trade event for the travel and tourism industry taking place this week in Dubai. SEE the podcast: Flight Safety Detectives dissect the Netflix doco “Downfall”. READ: Can the giant AN-225 fly again? READ: More serious questions raised about the ATSB’s MH370 data review The Economy class experience will be upgraded with new soft furnishings for all guests in Economy, including a 35 per cent larger pillow with a 200 thread-count cotton cover made locally in the UAE. This is complemented by a soft blanket made from recycled plastic for additional comfort on all flights. Etihad’s new dining experience features reusable tableware made from recycled high-quality plastic and eliminates the use of single-use plastic. The tray, serving plates and their lids are part of a closed-loop recycling system. At the end of their lifecycle, they are collected, washed, ground and reused to make new replacement products. Etihad is also introducing stainless-steel cutlery into the Economy cabin which upgrades the experience and also reduces single-use plastic. In 2019, Etihad committed to removing 80 per cent of single-use plastic from its operation by the end of 2022 and the introduction of this new inflight equipment ensures the airline meets this sustainability goal. Terry Daly, Executive Director Guest Experience, Brand and Marketing, commented: “Etihad is trailblazing when it comes to sustainability in aviation. Following extensive research and development through our eco-flights over the past few years, we’re proud to reveal the first in a series of enhancements to our inflight experience. Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t come at a compromise to the quality and thoughtfulness behind Etihad’s guest experience, and these innovative new products will further improve our offering. We look forward to rolling out this new experience across the fleet towards the latter part of the year.” Etihad Economy is renowned for its spacious Economy seating featuring its signature fixed-wing headrest which provides optimal support for a restful travel experience. The airline also offers Economy Space seating which provides an additional 4 inches of legroom for passengers who choose to upgrade to this option. In addition, Etihad’s passengers may choose neighbour-free seating in Economy for an additional fee, which offers extra privacy and comfort.