Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted future energy initiative, and Etihad Airways have signed an agreement to co-operate across a range of activities to reduce the airline’s carbon footprint through sustainable and energy efficient measures.

Under the agreement, Masdar, which is wholly-owned by the Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), will work with Etihad to support the implementation of the airline’s environmental, management initiatives, in particular in relation to carbon and waste management.

The initiative is as part of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing effort to implement innovative sustainability solutions, said a Masdar official.

“Etihad’s partnership with Masdar is a demonstration of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to environmental sustainability. This relationship with Etihad demonstrates that synergies and complimentary expertise between companies can lead to innovative solutions,” said Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar.

“The airline industry is rapidly turning its attention to finding alternative fuels and emission reduction schemes. This partnership presents Masdar and Etihad with the opportunity to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of this shift in finding solutions to the issues of climate change,” he noted.

Masdar will support the development of carbon management solutions to ensure Etihad’s compliance with the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, which comes into effect for aviation in 2012, as well as support the airline’s voluntary carbon reduction initiatives, Dr Al Jaber added.

In addition, Masdar will work with Etihad to enhance the airline’s waste management plans and energy saving initiatives.

James Hogan, chief executive of Etihad Airways, said: 'As a new business, we are developing environmental policies to minimise our impact on the environment, in line with Abu Dhabi’s vision and commitment to sustainability.'

'This partnership with Masdar gives us the opportunity to benefit from their expertise and knowledge to help implement our environmental initiatives,' he added.

Under the partnership agreement Etihad will also support the UAE’s bid to host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).-TradeArabia News Service