Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based airline that has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable aviation practices, has once again been recognized for its environmental initiatives. The airline has been named the Environmental Airline of the Year 2023 at the prestigious Airline Ratings awards, marking the second consecutive year it has received this esteemed accolade.
In addition to this recognition, Etihad Airways also secured the third position in the Airline Ratings’ ‘Top 10 Airlines’ award. This award evaluates airlines based on criteria such as comfort, innovation, value, and safety across Economy, Business, and First Class categories.
Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Aviation Group, expressed his pride in the airline’s achievement in reducing its CO2 emissions per revenue tonne kilometre (RTK) by 26 percent. He attributed this success to the dedication and efforts of the Etihad team in driving the sustainability agenda. Neves also emphasized that the airline’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond direct CO2 reductions, as evidenced by their annual report, which explores innovative solutions to address broader challenges in aviation sustainability.
Airlineratings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas commended Etihad Airways for its leadership in sustainable flight initiatives, including the Greenliner Boeing 787 program and the Sustainability50 initiative with A350 aircraft. Thomas praised the airline’s staff and management for their commitment to reducing the CO2 footprint, stating that their focus on emission reduction is all-consuming. He also highlighted the potential advancements in sustainable aviation demonstrated in Etihad Airways’ Sustainability Report for 2021-2022.
Air New Zealand claimed the prestigious title of Airline of the Year, a recognition it has received for the seventh time since 2013. Qatar Airways secured the second position, followed by Etihad Airways in third place. The remaining airlines in the top ten included Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Emirates. The rankings took into account various aspects of airline performance and service quality.
Singapore Airlines was honored with the award for the best first class. The airline’s commitment to innovation and exceptional customer experiences, particularly with its new Skyroom suites on the A380, earned it this prestigious recognition.
Among the low-cost airlines, flydubai, based in Dubai, was included in the top 25 rankings alongside renowned carriers such as AirAsia, Ryanair, and EasyJet. This acknowledgment reflects flydubai’s commitment to providing affordable travel options while maintaining high service standards.
The recognition received at the Airline Ratings awards not only highlights the airline’s dedication to sustainability but also showcases its consistent pursuit of excellence across various aspects of its operations. Placing third in the highly competitive ‘Top 10 Airlines’ category further underscores Etihad Airways’ reputation for providing exceptional comfort, innovation, value, and safety across its Economy, Business, and First Class offerings.
Under the leadership of Antonoaldo Neves, the Group CEO of Etihad Aviation Group, the airline has achieved an impressive 26 percent reduction in CO2 emissions per revenue tonne kilometre (RTK). This accomplishment is a testament to the tireless efforts and dedication of the entire Etihad team in implementing sustainable practices throughout their operations. Neves expressed his pride in the team’s contributions and emphasized the importance of their sustainability agenda in raising the quality of life and happiness of the airline’s stakeholders.Etihad Airways’ commitment to sustainability goes beyond CO2 reduction, as evidenced by its annual report, which showcases innovative solutions and initiatives aimed at addressing the broader challenges facing the aviation industry.
The Airline Ratings awards serve as a testament to the industry’s continuous efforts to excel in various areas, including sustainability, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. For Etihad Airways, being named the Environmental Airline of the Year once again reinforces its commitment to driving positive change in the aviation industry and solidifies its position as a leading advocate for green aviation practices.
