Cost-saving measures target Dh73m in savings for Etihad

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways is set to trim its annual aviation fuel bill by Dh73 million (US $20 million) thanks to a series of innovative efficiency measures.

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates undertook at the beginning of 2008 a comprehensive review of all aspects of its flight operations to identify areas where the carrier's fuel bill could be reduced.

The work, supported by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), highlighted some 23 fuel-efficiency measures. Many of these measures have now been fully or partially introduced by the Abu Dhabi-based carrier after a thorough examination to ensure continued safe operations.

Etihad has saved more than Dh44 million ($12 million) so far this year thanks to the measures and remains on track to achieve its Dh73 million ($20 million) target by the end of 2008.

Captain Richard Hill, Etihad Airways' executive vice president operations, said: "With the high price of aviation fuel and against a deteriorating global economic backdrop, it is increasingly important that Etihad does all it can to control its cost base.

"Fuel is now Etihad's largest single cost and accounts for between 35 and 40 per cent of the airline's annual expenditure. This is an area where we are heavily focused to try and generate significant and sustained savings."

Fuel savings have been achieved through a variety of measures that include reducing weight on board the aircraft, changing certain operating procedures, reducing cruise speed where appropriate and increasing the frequency of engine washes.