Etihad Airways, battling to distinguish itself from rival Gulf Arab carriers, has extended its agreement with Abu Dhabi Organics Farm to offer its passengers more organic food during flights.


The airline said it has purchased 200 hens which are being raised free-range at Abu Dhabi Organics Farms.


Eggs produced by the hens will be used in Etihad Airways' Diamond First Class dishes, including the "eggs any style" breakfast option.

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In addition to the hens, Etihad Airways has also 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 carrier said in a statement.


Lee Shave, Etihad Airways' vice president guest experience, said: "We are committed to sourcing and using 'Product of the UAE' items wherever and whenever possible, and our partnership with Abu Dhabi Organics Farms is a great example of how we work together with UAE companies to bring local products to the world.


"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 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'.


The airline is also developing a line of signature pickles that will be available to customers. The pickles are made from entirely organic items including paprika, chilli, onion, capsicum, and dates.


In March, Etihad announced an exclusive partnership with Abu Dhabi Organics Farms to supply fresh organic produce for its inflight First Class dining menus.


Etihad's First Class chefs are incorporating these fresh ingredients in the onboard service with plans to roll out the farm-to-table concept across all cabin classes in the future.


Abu Dhabi Organics Farms was established in 1997 by Khalid Al Shamsi, an Emirati national passionate about organic living.


Sitting on more than 55 hectares of land, featuring both greenhouses and fields, the farm grows a wide range of vegetables and fruits from around the world, as well as raising livestock such as camels, cows, chickens and goats.