Etihad’s new ‘Blue Moon’ in Manchester

Etihad Airways has unveiled a specially liveried A330-200 aircraft to mark its sponsorship of Manchester City Football club and the commencement of double daily flights between Manchester and Abu Dhabi.

Double daily will flights will be effective from August 1. Etihad currently flies to the UAE’s capital city from Manchester seven times a week.

A team of 40 painters worked around the clock for 18 days in Abu Dhabi to paint the A330-200 in the colours of Manchester City. Around 450 litres of paint were required to complete the job on the new ‘Blue Moon Rising’ livery.

The aircraft will also serve Milan, Frankfurt, Brussels, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore, Istanbul and destinations throughout the Middle East and India.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways chief executive officer, said: “We are very proud of our sponsorship of Manchester City Football Club, and of our commitment to the wider community. Manchester has been a key destination for Etihad for five years, and the increase in frequency to double daily indicates our dedication to the region.

Last December, Etihad opened its premium lounge at Manchester airport.

Etihad Airways has been Manchester City Football Club’s main club sponsor since May, 2009. During that time, the club has enjoyed some success, including its first FA Cup win since 1969 last season.

Etihad Airways’ portfolio of international sponsorship partners includes the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Harlequins Rugby Football Club, the Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championships, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships and the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.

Etihad Airways was launched in 2003. It currently serves 70 destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region.