Etihad celebrates the Chennai Super Kings
December 2, 2024
Etihad Airways, is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and when the carrier’s first Airbus A320neo (A6-EJB, c/n 10372) was delivered to the airline on 27 November 2024 at Woensdrecht, it wore a stunning new livery in the yellow and blue colours of the Chennai Super Kings cricket team. The aircraft involved is the first Airbus A320neo to be operated by a UAE-based carrier and will serve on Etihad’s short haul routes. The aircraft’s inaugural flight is planned to take place in December to CSK’s home in Chennai, India, delighting the millions of fans visiting and residing in the city.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We are delighted to once again demonstrate our commitment to the Indian market and celebrate our partnership with CSK with this stunning new livery in the bold yellow and blue colours of the Chennai Super Kings. We are incredibly proud of our partnership with CSK and the joy that cricket brings to so many people around the world. With our rapidly expanding global network, we are able to showcase the CSK special livery to millions of people in destinations wide and far, and bring more fans globally to the game we love and enjoy.”
Etihad became the official sponsor of the Chennai Super Kings in February 2024 with a special ceremony launching the partnership in Chennai that was attended by thousands of fans. The airline said then that: “We believe cricket unites people across the globe, fostering a sense of community that resonates deeply with both Etihad and the Super Kings. This collaboration goes beyond sponsorship – it’s a testament to the shared values of bringing people together and creating unforgettable experiences.” Since then, Etihad has brought the partnership to life at matches with engaging fan experiences and activities, including distributing bespoke whistles in the shape of aircraft for fans to cheer on the players in the traditional CSK style ‘whistle podu’.
Etihad operates 181 flights per week to eleven Indian cities, connecting passengers to a wide range of destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America. In 2024, the airline launched new routes to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, as well as the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur and added extra flights to key gateways of Mumbai and Delhi.
Etihad celebrated 20 years of flying to India in September, holding a red-carpet event at the Ice Factory Bellard Estate, Mumbai, attended by Bollywood celebrities. Etihad launched services to Mumbai, India’s commercial capital, on 26 September 2004, adding New Delhi on 1 December 2004.
Etihad’s special liveries
Like its great rival Emirates, Etihad has applied special commemorative liveries to a number of its aircraft over the years. Etihad Airways has frequently marked the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – the last race of the F1 season – with a number of aircraft being specially painted for the event, including A320 A6-EIB in 2008, A330-200 A6-EYE from 2009, A340-642 A6-EHJ in 2013-2014, and more recently Boeing 787-9 A6-BLV. A distinctive sky blue Manchester City FC scheme has been worn by a number of aircraft, including Airbus A330-200 A6-EYE and Boeing 787-9 A6-BND.
More recently, in 2024 Etihad unveiled a Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi livery on Boeing 787-10 A6-BMA with DC Superheroes on one side and Looney Tunes characters on the other. Even more recently a unique 20th anniversary livery was applied to an Airbus A321neo A6-AEN with line-art depicting the famous landmarks of the Abu Dhabi skyline.
