By James Wilkinson
Etihad Airways has unveiled a special Formula 1 livery on a brand new Airbus A340-600, as part of the airline’s naming-rights sponsorship of the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, due to be held for the first time later this year.
Etihad’s aircraft promoting the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The airline has a three-year title sponsorship deal of the race – named the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – and the new aircraft will be flown to a number of key cities in 2009, including Sydney, London, New York, Toronto and possibly Australia’s Formula 1 home, Melbourne, after the airline commences services to the city in March.
“We are delighted to fly our own F1-themed aircraft across the world to build awareness and generate excitement about the F1 GP series, in particular the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009, which is bound to be a thrilling event for Abu Dhabi and the UAE,” said Etihad Airways’ executive vice president marketing and product, Peter Baumgartner.
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be one of the biggest events to be held in the Middle East in 2009 and is a key project in the ongoing development of Abu Dhabi becoming the events capital of the region.
