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.