Etihad Airways reveals new Manchester City livery to mark arrival of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Etihad Airways has welcomed the arrival of its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner by unveiling a special livery in celebration of its partnership with Manchester City Football Club.

The aircraft made its inaugural flight to Manchester on Monday, October 21 after arriving in Abu Dhabi last week. Guests travelling on the inaugural flight were given Manchester City merchandise, and were met by Omar Berrada, chief operating officer for Manchester City; club legend, Joleon Lescott; goalkeeper, Karen Bardsley and mascots for a welcome ceremony upon arrival in Manchester.

"As we celebrate a decade of this successful partnership, we are proud to see the Manchester City colours grace our runways and skies, as the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner takes flight. This livery pays tribute to the Club’s incredible accomplishments on and off the pitch,” said Robin Kamark, chief commercial officer at Etihad Aviation Group.

"Manchester is a very important destination in the Etihad network serving both business and leisure travellers. We are proud to showcase the city, and our partnership with the club through this uniquely branded aircraft. It is only fitting that its first commercial flight is to Manchester."

Omar Berrada added: “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.”

The new Manchester City livery is the first since 2011, following the “Blue Moon Rising” theme that was launched on Etihad's A330-200 to celebrate its second daily service to Manchester.

The new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is one of the world’s most economic aircrafts, and features the latest designs for economy as well as business studios with fully-flat beds.