Etihad unveils new livery on first A380 aircraft

Monday, 29 September 2014 01:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

UAE’s national airline Etihad Airways has unveiled a stunning new livery design, which will be introduced across its fleet. Created by leading brand consultants Landor Associates in partnership with Etihad, the new livery is inspired by traditional Emirati design patterns, the landscapes of the desert and the geometric shapes found in the modern architecture of Abu Dhabi, said a statement.

The new livery was unveiled as Etihad’s first A380 rolled-out of the paint hangar at the Airbus Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg, Germany. James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Only a few months ago Etihad Airways unveiled the new cabin interiors for our A380 aircraft and we are now proud to show the world how this aircraft will look on the outside. “The striking new livery also continues our commitment to breaking from convention and doing things differently. This is a real divergence from the norms of traditional airline livery design and will stand out in the sky and at every airport we fly to.” The design pattern named ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ has used a colour palette which reflects the varying hues of the landscape of the UAE, from the darker sands of Liwa to the lighter colours seen in the Northern Emirates. The design development involved researching design options among Emiratis and international travellers to help select the final ‘winning’ livery. The UAE national emblem is given prominence along the fuselage next to the Etihad name and the national flag is respectfully featured forward near the cockpit. The design pattern is also a key feature of the new cabin interiors being introduced on Etihad’s Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft, and is being rolled out across the airline’s corporate branding – from advertising to brochures to premium lounges. Peter Knapp, Global Creative Officer of Landor Associates, said: “Etihad is undoubtedly a leading airline on the international stage and this new livery is a real step change in the industry. I believe there will be nothing like it on any apron in the world. “It tells the remarkable story of this region and of Abu Dhabi’s past, present and future, providing a narrative for an innovative airline brand. We used the ambient geometry present in the architecture and culture of the emirate and reinterpreted it with a sense of Arabian modernism which has become synonymous with Etihad and Abu Dhabi itself.” Etihad Airways will take delivery of seven wide-bodied aircraft next year – four A380s and three Boeing 787-9s – and seven narrow-bodied aircraft – one A320 and six A321s. The Etihad Airways A380 is also set to transform luxury air travel with The Residence by Etihad, which will feature a living room, separate double bedroom and ensuite shower room, making it the first three-room luxury suite in history of commercial aviation. The Residence by Etihad, located on the forward upper deck of the A380, can accommodate one or two guests who will also have a personal butler trained by the Savoy Butler Academy in London. The aircraft will also feature new First Apartments, which are fully private suites with a separate reclining lounge seat and full-length bed; as well as the new Business Studio and Economy Smart Seat.