Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways launches region’s first aircraft carbon offset programme

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways launches region’s first aircraft carbon offset programme

UAE-based Etihad Airways 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.

Separately, the airline will implement an additional voluntary offset programme for passengers via its website (etihad.com) in 2021.

The initiative is the airline's attempt to reduce 2019 CO2 emission levels to 50 per cent by 2035 and to achieve full net zero emissions by 2050.

Etihad's Greenliner carbon offset programme has been sourced in partnership with Respira, an international carbon offset finance house. Etihad's plan is focused on a Tanzanian forestry project and will initially purchase 80,000 tonnes of CO2 offsets.

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

The offset scheme is verified and certified by VERRA, an independent carbon offset quality assurance body. This ensures carbon offsets are quantifiable and fully sustainable. In addition, the Tanzanian project conforms to climate, community and biodiversity standards, which protect endangered species and local communities.

Tony Douglas, Etihad Aviation Group CEO, said: "It's encouraging to end