Etihad scraps seatback TVs in economy on some planes

It's part of an overhaul of economy in its narrow-body fleet

Etihad is removing seatback TV screens in economy on its narrow-body aircraft (Getty Images)

Etihad is removing some seatback TV screens in an overhaul of the economy cabins of its narrow-body fleet.

As part of a refit of its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the United Arab Emirates carrier will instead offer an onboard streaming service so passengers can watch entertainment on their own devices.

The economy cabins of the 23 narrow-body aircraft will be refitted by August, Etihad said.

The aircraft are mainly used for short-haul regional flights, as well as destinations within five hours’ flying time of Abu Dhabi.

The seatback screens in economy will remain on Etihad’s wide-body aircraft for longer routes.

As part of the overhaul, Etihad is installing new economy cabins with “ergonomic, extra-spatial design” seats by UK-based firm Acro. They will provide “increased knee room”, said the UAE flag carrier, and include fast-charging USB ports and holders for phone and tablets.

“Etihad is adapting to meet the specific needs and requirements of all travellers,” said Tony Douglas, group chief executive officer, Etihad Aviation Group, by “providing more of what they really want to enjoy inflight.

“This not only delivers greater choice and personalisation, it also ensures we continue to provide a superior, commercially wise and sustainable service offering.”

Earlier this month, Etihad said it had flown the world’s longest single-use plastic-free flight, from Abu Dhabi to Brisbane, Australia. Despite it flying the three-room “suite in the sky”, the airline pledged to remove 80 per cent of all single-use plastics across the business by the end of 2022.