The 14-hour delivery flight of the airline's newest and most efficient long haul aircraft was operated using a combination of traditional jet fuel and plant-based jet fuel, which is fully certified for use as commercial jet fuel.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' president and chief executive officer, said: "This flight marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support and drive the commercialization of sustainable aviation fuel in Abu Dhabi, the region, and globally.

"However, the use of a presently available biofuel is just one part of a more comprehensive long-term biofuel strategy to ensure that we are able to use biofuels to decarbonize substantially an entire industry sector in the long term." 

SkyNRG, an Amsterdam-based sustainable jet fuel provider, supplied the fuel, which is based on recycled vegetable cooking oil.

As a plant-based source that has been used already for cooking purposes, it qualifies as a bio-based waste stream with a high sustainability value.

Dirk Kronemeijer, SkyNRG's managing director, said: "We think the Middle East has great potential to give a critical boost towards making a market for sustainable jet fuel that is affordable. With this flight, Etihad Airways has taken a fantastic step, particularly in increasing awareness within the region. There is a lot more to come in this continent and we are determined to be there when that happens." 

Boeing also supported this initiative by supplying their 'fly-away' fuel, provided for every new delivery, as a biofuel blend.

Sustainability is a key aspect of the biofuel production process.