Rolls-Royce and Etihad Airways have agreed to formalize their common interest in decarbonizing air travel by signing a comprehensive agreement facilitating the development of sustainable aviation as part of Etihad’s broader strategic sustainability program.
Extending from Rolls-Royce’s Pathway to Net Zero strategy and related announcements at the recent COP26 event, Rolls-Royce believes that its innovations in electrification and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) hold the keys to unlock the door of opportunity on decarbonization.
The focus of the agreement between Rolls-Royce and Etihad Airways targets the application of electrification technologies and hybrid systems, together with the use of electric motors for commuter aircraft and the fast-emerging urban air mobility (UAMs) sector.
Rolls-Royce and Etihad will work alongside partners including Airbus to test and apply new technology solutions and developments in sustainability to Etihad’s incoming fleet of A350, spearheaded by the Sustainability50 flagship aircraft.
The agreement was signed by Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace President Chris Cholerton and Group CEO of Etihad Aviation Group Tony Douglas.
Douglas said: “Today’s agreement builds on our long history with Rolls-Royce and formalizes our co-operation for decarbonization, as we research, develop and test sustainable solutions to move the industry forward toward net-zero.
“There is no quick fix to overcome the challenge of aviation sustainability, it is going to take a united effort if we are to reach our shared goals of drastically reducing the carbon emissions of air travel.”
Cholerton added: “Our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 can only be achieved by working collaboratively with our customers. Our long-standing relationship with Etihad Airways provides an excellent foundation to build innovative solutions in aviation as we embark on our common journey towards an increasingly sustainable industry.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Technology Express staff and is published from a syndicated feed)
