Etihad Airways announced that it is committing to adopt a mangrove tree for every guest that books the airline’s Economy Space seat, part of efforts to achieve carbon-neutral flying.
Etihad said in its announcement that each mangrove tree planted will absorb up to 250kg of CO2 in its lifetime – the same amount produced by an eight-hour flight. And with this, the airline said it aims to ensure that every Economy Space seat sold will eventually be carbon neutral.
In February 2022, Etihad launched Etihad Forest, Etihad’s initiative for biodiversity, wildlife and environmental protection through a network of mangrove and other forests being established in Abu Dhabi and around the world.
The airline intends to plant 182,000 mangrove trees by the first quarter of 2023 in Abu Dhabi, before the next phase of the program to expand new forests overseas begins. Etihad said that mangroves remove up to four times more carbon dioxide from the air than other tropical forests.
“In addition to our own sustainability ambitions, we made a commitment to helping our guests and partners to travel more sustainably and empower them to make conscious choices,” Mariam Al Qubaisi, head of sustainability for Etihad Aviation Group said in a statement.
Al Qubaisi added: “With the latest evolution of our sustainability programme to plant a mangrove on behalf of every guest who books an Economy Space seat, we’re simplifying the process so anyone can travel sustainably.”
Etihad Airways’ Economy Space offers more premium features such as more legroom and space, compared to the airline’s regular economy seat. It is available only on Etihad-operated flights. Guests in other cabins can still take part in the Etihad Forest initiative using Etihad Guest Miles in the airline’s Reward Shop.