Etihad unveils special Formula One livery on Boeing 787 ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Celebrating 10 years of the Grand Prix in the UAE capital

The new Etihad livery in the United States. Courtesy Etihad

Etihad is revving up for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with the introduction of a special livery on one of its aircraft.

The Formula One livery was painted on to a Boeing 787-9 at the Boeing facility in Charleston, South Carolina to celebrate 10 years of the Grand Prix in the UAE capital.

Etihad confirmed the aircraft will take part in a low-level fly-by during the main race event on Sunday, together with the airline's A380 complete with Year of Zayed livery.

The Abu Dhabi airline has also collaborated with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg to design a special edition F1 themed scarf and tie which is being worn by cabin crew throughout November.

The same design will appear on commemorative economy class headrests in-flight during race week.

As well as marking Year of Zayed, Etihad has in the past used a special branded livery to tie in with China's Shopping Festival, and one to commemorate the Fast and Furious film franchise and Manchester City Football Club.

Dubai airline Emirates has also used football liveries featuring the clubs it sponsors such as Arsenal, while in 2015 it unveiled a livery depicting threatened animals as part of its partnership with United for Wildlife.

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