UAE-based airline announces fuel optimization week

As part of its on-going efforts to limit its carbon footprint, Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, today initiated a week-long campaign to promote its company-wide fuel efficiency program designed to further raise awareness of its significant efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The Fuel Optimization Week program will highlight specific activities designed to reduce the consumption of aircraft fuel, both on the ground and in the air, while maintaining the airline’s high levels of safety and guest comfort. The reduction in fuel consumption results in a reduction in carbon emissions, reducing the potential negative impact of aviation on the environment.

On September 25, Etihad Airways will coordinate its fuel optimization efforts on a global scale in an ultra-long haul flight from Abu Dhabi to Sao Paulo, Brazil, which is the airline’s longest route.

Working with Civil Aviation Authorities and Air Navigation Service Providers along the entire flight of over 12,000 kilometers, Etihad Airways will maximize the use of a range of initiatives in reducing the use of fuel from departure gate to arrival gate, including optimized ground handling at both ends of the journey and maximizing efficiency opportunities in route and altitude selection.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, “Etihad Airways continues to seek ways to reduce its impact on the environment and Fuel Optimization Week aims to keep our staff and the broader community informed of our efforts.

“This week-long event highlights the determination of our operational and technical teams to find ways to reduce our fuel burn. With rising fuel costs, this initiative highlights the importance of sustainable profitability and our on-going commitment to protect the environment.”

During the week, the airline will work more closely with the various operational stakeholders including Civil Aviation Authorities, Air Navigation Service Providers and Airport Ground Service Providers to further optimize the efficient use of fuel on flights into and out of Etihad’s home base, Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Examples of this will be to further the continuous efforts in promoting the use of efficient Continuous Descent Operations, as well as the application of a specially designed arrival procedure (RNP-AR) which ensures an optimum and more-efficient flight track during approach and landing for the airline’s flights into its hub. On the ground the focus will be on working with ground handling services to further reduce the use of the on-board Auxiliary Power Units (APU).

All of these procedures help reduce emissions.