As part of its attempts to achieve carbon-neutral flying, Etihad Airways has pledged to plant a mangrove tree for every passenger who books an Economy Space seat on the airline.

According to Etihad, each mangrove tree planted will absorb up to 250kg of CO2 throughout its lifespan, the same amount created by an eight-hour trip. As a result, the airline claims that every Economy Space seat sold will eventually be carbon neutral.

Etihad Forest, Etihad’s effort for biodiversity, wildlife, and environmental conservation through the establishment of a network of mangroves and other forests in Abu Dhabi and around the world, was launched in February 2022.

Before the next part of the campaign to extend new forests overseas begins, the airline plans to plant 182,000 mangrove trees in Abu Dhabi by the first quarter of 2023. According to Etihad, mangroves remove up to four times more CO2 from the atmosphere than other tropical forests.

“In addition to our own sustainability aspirations, we made a commitment to assisting our customers and partners in travelling more sustainably and empowering them to make informed choices,” said Mariam Al Qubaisi, Etihad Aviation Group’s head of sustainability.

“With the latest evolution of our sustainability programme to plant a mangrove on behalf of every passenger who books an Economy Space seat,” Al Qubaisi continued, “we’re simplifying the process so that anyone may fly responsibly.”

When compared to the airline’s regular economy seat, Etihad Airways’ Economy Space offers more premium features such as additional legroom and space. It is only available on Etihad Airways flights. Other cabin guests can still participate in the Etihad Forest project by redeeming Etihad Guest Miles in the airline’s Reward Shop.