Etihad Airways has said that one of the airline's 787 Dreamliner planes will serve as a flying laboratory for testing procedures and initiatives that could further reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, as a part of a growing partnership with Boeing to advance the sustainable growth of aviation.
Tony Douglas, group chief executive of Etihad Aviation Group, said: "Innovation, productivity and sustainability are core values and objectives of Etihad Airways and of Abu Dhabi.
"The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a key enabler of all three."
The specially-themed 787 will enter service early next year and operate regular flights in Etihad Airways' network, while periodically serving as a test bed for assessing environmental sustainability initiatives.
Beyond the environmental testing on the airplane, the two companies will build on the technical capabilities that Etihad Airways has developed while maintaining its own Dreamliner fleet and that of other operators.
As part of the strategic partnership, the companies are discussing several areas where they can work together to improve operational efficiency.
In addition, Boeing and Etihad Airways have also announced that the plane manufacturer will provide multiple services for the airline's Dreamliner fleet, including the component services program, landing gear exchange, and high-value components exchange.
Ted Colbert, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services, said: "Boeing's global supply chain footprint will allow ready access to parts, support and services, when and where it's needed.
"We are proud to partner with Etihad Airways to increase maintenance efficiency and maintain aircraft operability."