Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, expanded its on-board food service operation to include a farm fresh component with the purchase of 200 hens which are being raised free-range at Abu Dhabi Organics Farms. Eggs produced by the hens will be used in the airline’s Diamond First Class dishes, including its “eggs any style” breakfast option, prepared fresh by the Etihad onboard chefs.

In addition to the hens, Etihad Airways has purchased three bee hives which are also based at Abu Dhabi Organics Farms. Honey produced by the bees will be served exclusively to Etihad Airways passengers and used across an array of dishes. The airline now plans to introduce its first entirely organic dish, the tomato caprese salad, to the Diamond First Class Mezoon Grille menu. The salad’s ingredients of cherry tomato, basil, rocket leaf, mozzarella, and olive oil will all be organic products of the UAE. Etihad is also developing a line of signature pickles that will be available to customers. The pickles are made from organic items including paprika, chili, onion, capsicum and dates. They will be served with warm bread and a range of cheese.

Abu Dhabi Organics Farms was established in 1997 by Khalid Al Shamsi, an Emirati national passionate about organic living. The farms cover more than 55 hectares of land and feature greenhouses and fields. They produce over 60 different kinds of organic vegetables, fruits and herbs, as well as poultry and livestock. Abu Dhabi Organics Farms works with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and has been awarded the food security medal. It is also a member of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), which issues accreditation and certificates for organic produce.

Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2011 carried 8.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways serves 87 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with a fleet of 66 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.