Manchester City have a huge following in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
The Sky Blues, who are owned by The Abu Dhabi United Group founded by Sheikh Mansour, are sponsored by Etihad Airways and their relationship with the UAE capital has seen the side rise to being one of the very best in world football.
Since the takeover in August 2008, City have won four Premier League titles, four English League cups and the FA Cup.
Celebrating the partnership between Manchester City and Etihad Airways, one of the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners has been decorated in the club’s colours.
The aircraft, painted blue, sports the club’s name and crest and it will be flying around the world in the coming months as part of Etihad’s fleet.
The aircraft made its inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to Manchester where it was greeted by Omar Berrada, COO for Manchester City, City legend Joleon Lescott, Man City women’s goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and club mascots.
Guests travelling on the inaugural flight were given City branded merchandise on arrival as a celebration of its maiden voyage.
“Manchester City’s partnership with Etihad Airways continues to go from strength to strength and this new livery is yet another example of how Etihad are celebrating the achievements of the Club with fans around the world,” said Omar Berrada, COO at Manchester City.
“This is an exciting milestone in our partnership, and we can’t wait to see the City crest and colours take to the skies.”
In the coming months, the specially painted City Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will also be scheduled to fly in and out of destinations including Manchester, Jordan, Spain, Indonesia and China.
Etihad Aviation Group has recently signed an agreement with Air Arabia to launch a low-cost airline based out of the UAE capital.
For more information visit www.etihad.com.
