Emirates unveils Rugby World Cup 2019 livery on Airbus A380

The Dubai airline continues its sports designs on the world's biggest passenger plane

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Emirates is rolling out another sports-themed livery on its fleet – this time for the Rugby World Cup 2019.

The Dubai carrier has prepped one of its superjumbo Airbus A380s with the new design ahead of the tournament in Japan.

The airline has been a worldwide partner of the Rugby World Cup since since 2011, and is also the official airline.

Emirates is yet to confirm when the first flight using the livery will take place, but it said passengers will be able to watch the rugby action live on 175 aircraft.

It currently flies direct from Dubai to Osaka, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita.

"Stay tuned for our first flight to the host nation Japan with some special guests onboard, including the iconic Webb Ellis Cup," it said.

The World Cup, which features 20 nations, starts on September 20 and runs until November 20 when the final takes place in Yokohama City.

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Emirates and Etihad special liveries:

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Emirates has used a range colourful special liveries during the past few years to mark significant occasions.

It has recently ramped up the number of Expo 2020 liveries on its fleet to 40 - with 20 spread across Airbus A380s and 20 on Boeing 777s.

Premier League club Arsenal, who are sponsored by Emirates, flew to Dubai in March for a friendly match against Al Nasr on board an A380 with a football-themed livery complete with club crest and players in action.

Planespotters would have been bowled over during the same month when the Cricket World Cup livery was revealed on the A380. Emirates is an official sponsor of the World Cup and cricket's governing body – the International Cricket Council.

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag takes a selfie with the Emirates A380. Courtesy Emirates
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag takes a selfie with the Emirates A380. Courtesy Emirates