Etihad Airways has entered a strategic partnership with Boeing to use its 787 Dreamliner aeroplane as a platform for testing.

Under this agreement, one of the carrier’s 787 Dreamliner will be used to conduct a series of assessment tasks that might help to further reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive officer Stan Deal said: “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.”

The aircraft will be used to perform regular flights in the carrier’s network while occasionally serving as a test-bed. It is expected to enter service next year.

Boeing will also deliver a customised material parts package and three quick engine change (QEC) kits to Etihad Airways.

It will also offer the airline’s Dreamliner fleet with services, including the component services programme, landing gear exchange, and high-value components exchange.

These services will enable Etihad to perform more efficient 787 operations.

The agreements are a result of the two companies being members of a research consortium, which promotes sustainable aviation fuels development.

Etihad Aviation Group Group chief executive Tony Douglas said: “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.”