Livery of the Week: Etihad Airways

The airline updated its livery in 2014.

Etihad’s A380 lands at London Heathrow (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ Livery of the Week ]April 26, 2024 3:47 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.

Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.

Etihad Airways’ livery, known as “Facets of Abu Dhabi,” was introduced in 2014. Designed by Landor Associates in collaboration with Etihad, the livery draws inspiration from the airline’s Emirate home.

A Palette Inspired by the Desert

The most striking aspect of the design is its color scheme. It features a gradient of golden hues, reflecting the various shades of sand found across the UAE’s deserts, from the darker sands of the Liwa desert to the lighter tones of the north. The updated livery was unveiled on the carrier’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Etihad Airways’ new A350-1000 aircraft.(Photo: Etihad Airways)

The livery also incorporates a geometric diamond pattern that adorns the fuselage. This pattern is inspired by traditional Emirati design motifs and the modern, geometric shapes found in Abu Dhabi’s architecture.

A Cohesive Brand Identity

The “Facets of Abu Dhabi” livery extends beyond the exterior of the aircraft. The color scheme and geometric shapes are echoed in Etihad’s cabin interiors and other branding elements, creating a unified brand experience for passengers.

Etihad’s livery is a distinctive and memorable design. It stands out with its unique color palette and geometric elements. The design has been praised for its elegance and its successful representation of Abu Dhabi’s culture and landscape.

Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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