Rolls-Royce and Etihad Airways today agreed to formalise their common interest in decarbonising air travel by signing a comprehensive agreement facilitating the development of sustainable aviation as part of Etihad’s broader strategic sustainability programme.

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 decarbonisation.

The focus of the agreement between Rolls-Royce an 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 today by Chris Cholerton, President of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace and Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group.

Tony Douglas said: “Today’s agreement builds on our long history with Rolls-Royce and formalises our cooperation for decarbonisation, 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.”

Chris Cholerton said: “Our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 can only be achieved by working collaboratively with our valued 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.”