News Desk
ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, flew the victorious Manchester City team home on a unique Club-liveried Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The charter flight followed their historic Saturday night win in Istanbul and is the first time a European champion team has flown home on their own branded aircraft.
Etihad’s specially branded Dreamliner, registered A6-BND, flew the team from Istanbul to Manchester Airport on Sunday 11 June. The aircraft design honours the airline’s prestigious 14-year partnership with the Club and features Manchester City’s hallmark blue colour and club branding.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “A first in the Club’s history, last night’s win is an outstanding achievement for our long-standing partners Manchester City. On behalf of the entire team at Etihad, our congratulations go to the fans, players, team and the visionary leadership at City. We are delighted to celebrate this momentous occasion by flying the new Champions of Europe home to Manchester on their very own Club-branded aircraft.
“We are sure the team will have enjoyed the highest levels of service and hospitality from our award-winning Cabin Crew as they celebrate their achievements on board,” he continued.
Ferran Soriano, Chief Executive Officer, City Football Group, commented: “This is a very special moment in the Club’s history and travelling back to Manchester in a specially liveried aircraft is a fitting way to mark such a historic weekend. We are delighted to be able to share this success with Etihad and thank them for their fantastic support as a long-term partner of the club.”
On the flight, the players were treated to a specially designed celebratory menu, cocktails in the team’s signature blue colour and themed treats.
The City branded Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was introduced to Etihad’s fleet in October 2019 and has since flown to and from more than 60 destinations including Manchester, Melbourne, Paris, Singapore and the Maldives from its home in Abu Dhabi.
