April 21, 2018 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Etihad Aviation Group today unveiled its extensive Year of Zayed initiatives which are set to be launched throughout 2018.

 

Etihad Aviation Group’s initiatives are based on the four Year of Zayed themes, which are wisdom, respect, sustainability, and human development. The company’s initiatives are:

 

1) Humanitarian freighter

2) Zayed A380 & Abu Dhabi Experience

3) Abu Dhabi Birdathon

4) Zayed Campus & Young Aviators

 

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, was a visionary leader whose determination, wisdom and guidance enabled the UAE to become the prosperous, modern and harmonious nation it is today. His vision and legacy have directly impacted the lives of millions of people in the UAE and around the world, many of whom have been beneficiaries of his philanthropic activities.

 

“More than half a century ago, Sheikh Zayed envisioned Abu Dhabi having a world class aviation industry and infrastructure that is on par with the major cities of the world. Etihad Aviation Group is especially honoured, on the occasion of the one hundred years since the birth of Sheikh Zayed, to pay a tribute to his vision by promoting the values he embodied, and showcasing the impact he has had on the UAE as a whole, and in the aviation industry in particular.”

 

Under the theme of respect, Etihad Airways will launch a specially branded freighter aircraft which will conduct humanitarian flights for charitable organisations throughout 2018. The first humanitarian freighter mission will take off in May. Etihad Airways will partner with Emirates Red Crescent, Khalifa Foundation, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation to conduct these philanthropic missions across the globe.

 

To celebrate this vision and wisdom amongst the global audience, guests travelling on a specific A380 Etihad Airways aircraft will enjoy a host of content and services inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed, including themed inflight entertainment, kids packs and a photo gallery of his life.

 

Another exciting initiative will be the launch of an Abu Dhabi cultural experience. During the course of 2018, Etihad Airways will fly-in 1,000 guests from around the world to experience the capital’s vibrant culture scene, including visits to the Founder’s Memorial, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Wahat al Karama, and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

 

Combining the themes of flying and sustainability, Etihad Airways and the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) will host the Abu Dhabi Birdathon, a community event featuring the greater flamingoes.

 

Several tagged flamingos, each one nominated to an Abu Dhabi partner entity, will be tracked online as they fly off during the breeding season at the end of the year. This initiative aims to drive awareness of environmental conservation, which the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was passionate about.

 

The final component of Etihad’s Year of Zayed campaign, focusing on human development, has two elements.

 

Etihad will dedicate its training facility buildings to Sheikh Zayed. The Etihad Training Academy building adjacent to the Corporate Headquarters will be renamed Zayed Campus - Abu Dhabi, and the Etihad Aviation Training facility in Al Ain will become Zayed Campus - Al Ain.

 

In addition, Etihad will launch the Young Aviators programme for school children in the UAE.

 

This initiative, which aims to inspire children, will involve guided tours of the Etihad headquarters and Training Academy in Abu Dhabi, including sessions in the full flight simulators.