By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Emirates yesterday unveiled a special tribute to the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, with a bespoke livery for its 100th A380 carrying one of his most memorable images.
The unique livery is the first time Emirates will feature a customised decal of a well-known public figure, marking the airline’s first initiative for the ‘Year of Zayed’, which commences in 2018, coinciding with the centennial of the birth of the UAE’s founding father. A total of ten Emirates aircraft, five Airbus A380s and five Boeing 777-300ERs, will carry the special livery. The aircraft will carry the distinctive decal of HH Sheikh Zayed beginning in November 2017 and throughout 2018.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, said: “His Highness Sheikh Zayed dedicated his life to the building of a prosperous UAE, and we are proud to celebrate his remarkable legacy and honour his memory. Sheikh Zayed left an indelible mark on our home, the UAE, and we hope to help preserve his legacy and spirit, by spreading his message of inspiration, dedication, and leadership around the world as our aircraft take to the skies and circle the globe.”
The bespoke decal will cover an area of 480 m² on the A380 and 312 m² on the Boeing 777-300ER, showing one of HH Sheikh Zayed’s most iconic images. All of the aircraft are expected to fly to Emirates’ network of 156 destinations.
On average, it will take three days and up to eight staff to install the decals at the Emirates Engineering Aircraft Appearance Centre.
HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the founding father of the UAE, and one of the most prolific Arab leaders of his generation. His driving vision and leadership infused the United Arab Emirates with a spirit of responsibility, and motivation to pursue long-lasting, sustainable development. Earlier this year, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, declared 2018 as the ‘Year of Zayed’, marking the 100 years since the birth of the nation’s founding father, and highlighting his role in establishing the Federation as well as his achievements on a local, regional and international level.
