Chris Robshaw, England and Harlequins rugby captain, joined celebrations yesterday (Monday 28 April) as Etihad Airways unveiled not one, but three Boeing 787 Dreamliner model aircraft at London Heathrow’s Terminal 4.
The eye-catching structure uniquely features three large 9.5 metre long models of Boeing 787 aircraft located on the 28 metre by 31 metre roundabout on the approach to London Heathrow’s Terminal 4.
The three model aircraft in Etihad Airways livery, each weighing 1.4 tonnes, with a wing span of 10 metres, will be seen by more than 6.6 million people every year as they drive past the roundabout.
Robshaw was joined by Clive Wratten, Etihad Airways UK General Manager; Daniel Mosely, Communications Manager, Africa and Southern Europe at Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Kathryn Leahy, Director of Customer Relations and Service at Heathrow; and Alan Sullivan, Managing Director at JCDecaux Airport to celebrate the unveil.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Heathrow is one of Etihad Airways’ most popular destinations and we’re delighted to use one of the most prominent and well-known locations at the airport to promote the Boeing 787 aircraft which we’ll take delivery of later this year.”
The Etihad roundabout has been unveiled as the airline celebrates its 10th anniversary of services from London Heathrow – its first destination outside the Middle East region. Since 2004, more than two million passengers have flown between Heathrow and Abu Dhabi.
Chris Robshaw said: “I fly from Heathrow a lot with England and Harlequins and it’ll be great to see the three Boeing 787 Dreamliners each time I head off on a flight. I’ve been involved in a number of promotions with Etihad in Abu Dhabi so it’s nice to take part in this one a little closer to home.”
Etihad Airways is the largest airline customer for the Boeing 787, with 71 of the aircraft on order.
Marty Bentrott, Vice President, Sales, Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “The 787 Dreamliner’s revolutionary capabilities will enable Etihad Airways to remain at the forefront of the world’s elite airlines, offering its passengers a wide range of global destinations with exceptional in-flight comfort.
“The unveiling is testament to the significant role the 787 will play in Etihad’s future fleet and we are proud of the continued confidence it has placed in our products.”
Etihad Airways worked in partnership with JCDecaux Airport to deliver the high-profile advertising opportunity.
Alan Sullivan, of JCDecaux Airport, said: “This is a fantastic addition to our Heathrow media portfolio and it is great to see Etihad Airways harness the potential of this space.
“The travel sector is one of our most important categories at JCDecaux Airport and we’re delighted that a valued commercial partner such as Etihad Airways is dominating the gateway to their home at Terminal 4 with this iconic installation.”
Etihad Airways currently operates three flights a day from Heathrow, as well as a twice daily service from Manchester, to Abu Dhabi where passengers can connect to its network of destinations in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
