Nicole Kidman named Etihad’s new brand ambassador - in pictures

Nicole Kidman on set during an Etihad Airlines advertisement shoot at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The actress was revealed as the airline’s global ambassador in its new advertising campaign.

A film crew works while on set with Nicole Kidman during an advertisment shoot for Etihad Airlines. Kidman has described Abu Dhabi as a ‘second home’ and vows to spend more time in the capital as she is launched as the new face of the UAE’s national airline.

A stand-in actor poses for cameras as she and production staff set up another shot ahead of Kidman’s advertisement shoot at the Etihad hangars at the Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The new Etihad commercial starring Kidman will be shown on TV stations around the world and on social media in 60 and 30-second formats, with still versions appearing in print, digital and other channels.

The advertisement was shot on board Etihad Airways’ new flagship Airbus A380 and at several sites around the world, including Abu Dhabi, Marseilles and Prague.

The director of photography checks the light while on set with Nicole Kiddman. The opening scene of the new Etihad commercial shows Kidman flicking through the pages of an inspirational novel at the Strahov library, and in subsequent sequences enjoying the revolutionary cabins and service aboard the new A380.

Directors Anthony Atanasio and Valerie Martinez, left, talk with production staff on the sets.

Although Etihad Airways has previously had guest ambassadors, including Australian singer-songwriter, actress and The X Factor Australia judge Dannii Minogue, Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif and former Australia international cricketer Shane Warne, it is the first time the airline has appointed a global brand ambassador.

Kidman told The National that when she was approached by the Abu Dhabi carrier to become its global Brand Ambassador it came as as perfect timing due to a break in her filming schedule and a passion for flying that once made her consider applying for her own pilot’s licence. 

As a Brand Ambassador, Kidman said she hoped the new partnership would mean she would come and visit Abu Dhabi more often -  a place, she says, that is attracting more filmmakers.

Kidman believes she and Etihad Airways are a perfect fit and that made her want to become associated with the carrier. ‘It is a fantastic union because of my enthusiasm and they (Etihad) are such a fantastic bunch of people who are trying to turn an airline into such a luxurious and still affordable airline,’ she says.

Nicole Kidman with a guest on the the set. Silvia Razgova / The National

Director Valerie Martinez, left, at work on the set. Silvia Razgova / The National

Directors Anthony Atanasio and Valerie Martinez, along with Nicole Kidman, look back on some of the work carried out at last week's filming. Silvia Razgova / The National

Anthony Atanasio and Valerie Martinez review their shots alongside the star of their advert, Nicole Kidman. Silvia Razgova / The National

Nicole Kidman prepares for a shot. Silvia Razgova / The National

Australian actress Nicole Kidman, chats with guests and staff during a break from shooting a new advertisement for Etihad Airways at the Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The Oscar-winning Australian actress Nicole Kidman was introduced as the new face of the national carrier on Saturday to a gathering in Abu Dhabi of industry experts, Etihad cabin crew and the world’s media. Photos: Silvia Razgova / The National

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■ Nicole Kidman revealed as Etihad's brand ambassador

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■ Nicole Kidman the 'ideal face' of Etihad

■ Style, elegance, flair: Nicole Kidman joins Etihad

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