Gallery: Etihad's Newest A350-1000 Adds Comfort, Cuts Carbon Emissions

Linda Blachly April 04, 2022
Credit: Etihad Airways

Etihad’s A350-1000, named Sustainability50, features the airline’s newest cabin interior, which is inspired by Abu Dhabi and is both more efficient and sustainable in design. Etihad’s signature lighting design is inspired by the shadows cast by Abu Dhabi’s palm trees. The cabin lighting emulates natural ambient light and is designed to enhance the guest experience, provide an optimum environment for sleeping and reduce the effects of jetlag.

Credit: Etihad Airways

The elevated Business class is home to 44 Business Studios with sliding doors that provide a high level of privacy to each suite. Every seat faces forward with direct aisle access.

Credit: Airbus

The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-powered Airbus A350 is one of the most efficient aircraft types in the world, with 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous-generation twin aisle aircraft. Etihad recently established a formal framework with Airbus to collaborate on sustainability across a number of areas including the promotion and commercialization of sustainable aviation fuel, waste and weight management, and the development of data-driven analysis.

Credit: Etihad Airways

The Business class seat, with a width of over 20 inches, converts into a fully flat bed of 79 inches in length, and features ample storage for convenience.

Credit: Etihad Airways

Noise-cancelling headphones and an 18.5-inch TV screen provide a cinematic experience to enjoy Etihad’s IFE offering. The Business seats feature a built-in wireless charging dock and Bluetooth headphone pairing.

Credit: Etihad Airways

Etihad’s 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.

Credit: Etihad Airways

Etihad's new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, named Sustainability50, 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. It will join the airline's industry-leading sustainability drive as part of a program aimed at decarbonizing aviation. Formed as a partnership between Etihad, Airbus and Rolls Royce in 2021, the Sustainability50 program will see Etihad’s A350s used as flying testbeds of new initiatives, procedures and technologies to reduce carbon emissions, building on the learnings derived from Etihad's similar Greenliner program for the Boeing 787 aircraft type.

Credit: Etihad Airways

The economy seats feature a supportive headrest, USB charging and Bluetooth headphone pairing, as well as a 13.3-inch screen to enjoy Etihad’s inflight entertainment system.

Etihad Airways has begun operation of its Airbus A350-1000, with an inaugural flight from the company’s Abu Dhabi hub to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport at the end of March 2022. 

The first aircraft has been named Sustainability50, marking both the 50th anniversary of the federation of the UAE and Etihad’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.  The aircraft features Etihad’s newest cabin interior, which is inspired by Abu Dhabi and is both more efficient and sustainable in design. The A350 is filled with thoughtful design details providing exceptional comfort and enhanced privacy. 

The airline’s new A350-1000s will be deployed on a number of short- to mid-range routes in 2022 Q2, including Mumbai and Delhi, before being introduced on ultra-long-haul operations to Chicago and New York from July.
 

Linda Blachly

Linda Blachly is Senior Associate Editor for Air Transport World and Aviation Week. She joined the company in July 2010 and is responsible for producing features for Air Transport World’s monthly magazine and engaging content for the aviationweek.com. She is based in the Washington DC office.