Dubai: The next time you take a flight with Emirates, there's a chance you'd notice a different image on the exterior of the aircraft.
A number of Emirates’ planes will sport a bespoke livery next year as part of a new campaign to promote the legacy of the late His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
It is the first time the airline is customising the exterior paint work on some of its planes in honour of a public figure.
The airline also announced on Tuesday that to celebrate the “Year of Zayed,” it will be featuring the achievements of the UAE’s founding father in the pages of its official inflight magazine, Open Skies each month.
The “Year of Zayed” starts in 2018 and coincides with the centennial of the birth of the late UAE leader.
Throughout 2018, ten of the airline’s planes -- five Airbus A380s and five Boeing 777-300ERs - will carry the special livery and fly across the Emirates network throughout 2018. "The unique livery is the first time Emirates has featured a customised decal of a well-known public figure," the airline said.
Shaikh 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," Emirates said in a statement.
Earlier this year, Shaikh 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.
Also over the course of 2018, Emirates’ magazine will be featuring the achievements of Shaikh Zayed each month. The monthly publication will share a host of classic images and stories of Shaikh Zayed, celebrating his legacy and honouring his memory.
“The magazine will dedicate pages to highlight his role in establishing the Federation as well as his local, regional and international successes. In addition, each article will also tell readers how they can explore the region and see Shaikh Zayed’s vision come to life,” said Emirates in a statement.
Open Skies is available to about five million passengers who fly on Emirates each month, allowing the airline to spread the message of inspiration, dedication, and leadership of UAE’s founding father across its six-continent network.
Earlier this year, Shaikh 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.
