Boeing and Etihad have teamed up to build and operate a very unique Boeing 787, one that is designed to test new green technologies. The 'Greenliner' will be created to operate as environmentally as possible, as announced today at the Dubai Air Show.

Etihad
Etihad 'Greenliner' 787. Photo: Etihad

What is this new 'Greenliner' 787 like?

The new Boeing 787 (either a 787-9 or 787-10 depending on whether or not a bigger or smaller aircraft will be selected) will be painted in a special livery and be used to test new green technologies developed by Boeing.

This aircraft was chosen as the Boeing 787 already has a good record for its environmental fuel efficiency with its composite structure, low carbon emissions, and white-sheet design.

"The 787 Dreamliner and its track record of environmental performance makes it the perfect platform to advance our industry's commitment to sustainable growth. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Etihad Airways to identify more opportunities to improve efficiency across commercial aviation." Mentioned Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Etihad Boeing 787

The aircraft will still carry passengers and operate normal routes, as this will make it a realistic testbed for any new advancements in efficiency. But Etihad and Boeing have suggested that the aircraft could be taken out of its scheduled rotation at any time to get upgraded or have its performance evaluated.

Some of these upgrades could be testing a new type of biofuel, tweaking the engines with a new upgrade or perhaps even examining how the aircraft's hardware could be improved

"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." Finished Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive of Etihad Aviation Group, at the 2019 Dubai Airshow.

Etihad currently operates a fleet of 36 787 Dreamliners and has an order of 36 more to be delivered (including this special green version). This includes a mix of 787-9s and 787-10s. Etihad Boeing 787

What else are Boeing and Etihad partnered up for?

But this partnership between Boeing and Etihad extends far beyond just a single Boeing 787. According to the press release issued to Simple Flying at the Dubai Air Show, Boeing is working with Etihad to streamline their maintenance for their 787 fleet. This includes organizing maintenance, reducing having too many spare parts on hand and providing quicker access to new components when needed. Additionally, Boeing will be providing Etihad with three 'Quick Engine Change (QEC) kits' which sounds just like what it is, three unpacked engines for the 787 Dreamliner that can either be taken apart for quick spare parts or combined to create an entire replacement engine to get that aircraft back in the air as soon as possible. "Boeing's global supply chain footprint will allow ready access to parts, support and services, when and where it's needed," finished Ted Colbert, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services in the press release. "We are proud to partner with Etihad Airways to increase maintenance efficiency and maintain aircraft operability." What do you think? Is this a good move by Etihad? Let us know in the comments.