summary
- Etihad Airways celebrated its 20th anniversary with a unique flyover at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix using the iconic Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
- The high-flying flight involved seven Aermacchi MB-339NAT jets representing the seven emirates of the UAE.
- Other airlines, including American Airlines and Qatar Airways, are also making efforts to join in on the F1 extravaganza, increasing their frequency and unveiling exclusive F1 liveries.
Etihad Airways, one of the main flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Founded in November 2003, the airline celebrated its 20th anniversary with a unique flight over the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. His Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi was his final F1 (F1) race of the 2023 season and was held at the iconic Yas He Marina circuit.
Unique elevated layout
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Etihad Airways has organized a high-flying flight using one of its most iconic aircraft. The company’s famous Boeing 787 Dreamliner, painted in Greenliner livery, took to the skies. The iconic livery of the Boeing 787s operated by Etihad Airways also marks its participation in the Greenliner programme. The Greenliner program is a comprehensive program that encompasses most of Etihad’s sustainability initiatives. This includes trialling new blends of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and various attempts at flight optimization.
The low-altitude flight was operated by a 787-10 registered as A6-BMH. The aircraft crossed the finish line at approximately 16:44:55 local time. The 787 flew at an altitude of approximately 600 feet.
The plane was flown by four of Etihad Airways’ most experienced pilots. Captain Doris Moussaoui, who has just celebrated 20 years in Etihad Airways, was joined by his senior captains Abdullah Saleh, Mohamed Al Tamimi and Mimmo Catalano.
In addition to the iconic Greenliner livery aircraft, seven Aermacchi MB-339NAT jets took part in the high-flying flight. These seven of his aircraft were part of his UAE aerobatic exhibition team known as Al Fursan Al Emarat. Each of the seven planes displayed a red, green and black vapor trail representing the UAE national flag. His seven aircraft were selected to specifically represent his seven emirates of the UAE. Etihad Airways and Al Fursan Al Emarat are the title sponsors of this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Airlines celebrating F1
In addition to the iconic flyover, several airlines are going the extra mile to participate in F1 celebrations throughout the year. Etihad Airways held a flyover this weekend, offering first class passengers a variety of F1-themed meals and retro amenity kits.
Several other airlines have increased flights around the race near their hub cities. American Airlines has launched new flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The airline deployed its Airbus A321 aircraft from November 15 until the end of the race weekend to allow more passengers to use the route.
Photo: Qatar Airways
Earlier this year, Qatar Airways announced it would become F1’s newest airline partner. To support connectivity between F1 hubs, the airline recently resumed services between Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Birmingham Airport (BHX). This will make it easier for travelers from the Middle East to reach the Silverstone Grand Prix. The company also unveiled an exclusive F1 livery and conducted an overflight over the local F1 race, Doha, over the race weekend.
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