Etihad expands organic farm partnership
Etihad Airways has purchased 200 hens to provide free-range eggs for its onboard meals.
The new initiative expands the airline’s tie-up with Abu Dhabi Organics Farms, which will raise the hens before distributing the eggs to Etihad for use in its first class meals, including its ‘eggs any style’ breakfast, which is prepared by the airline’s onboard chefs.
In addition to the hens, Etihad has purchased three beehives, which are also based at Abu Dhabi Organics Farms. Honey produced by the bees will be served to Etihad passengers in a range of dishes.
Lee Shave, Etihad’s Vice President of Guest Experience commented; “Etihad Airways is immensely proud of the range of its fresh in-flight produce, and the addition of eggs from our own free-range hens gives an indication of what we strive for so our customers receive the finest, healthiest, and home produced items on our menus.
“Etihad Airways has a rich tradition of introducing world class in-flight dining innovations and we are thrilled to be the only airline in the world offering organic eggs and honey directly from our own locally raised hens and bees.”
Etihad Airways is planning to introduce its first entirely-organic dish, the tomato caprese salad, to its first class menu. The salad’s ingredients of cherry tomatoes, basil, rocket, mozzarella and olive oil will all be organic and locally sourced from the UAE.
The airline is also developing a line of signature pickles that will be available to customers. The pickles are made from organic items including paprika, chilli, onion, capsicum, and dates.