Etihad is one of the most recent airlines to have entered the world aviation stage. The carrier, as explained in detail in this post, came to be following the breakaway of Abu Dhabi from the Gulf Air common flag airline project. That event dates back just a little more than 20 years. It was late 2003 when it all happened, and Etihad came to be. Now, in 2024, to celebrate 20 years of operations a new aircraft is receiving a celebratory paint livery.
Etihad Airways Special 20-Year Anniversary Livery
Although some months have already passed from the exact anniversary, we now have an official Etihad Airways special celebratory livery for the event. The special livery celebrates the 20 years of operations since the airline first took to the skies in 2003.
The paint scheme is in essence the standard Etihad livery, which I think is among the most beautiful outh there, with golden finishings that compose an ensamble of images that tell the story of these 20 years of flights. Nothing too flashy and in perfect harmony with the brand image the Abu Dhabi based airline has built for itself over the years.
The special livery is now present on one very special new arrival to the EY fleet. A plane that will become an attraction for avgeeks around the world. Specifically the plane is one of six new Airbus A321neo to join the airline's fleet and will fly under registration number A6-AEN.
Six New Narrow Body Arrivals (No GTF Engines Thought)
As written above the special livery is now on one of six new Airbus A321neo planes joining the Etihad fleet. These planes will strengthen the airline's short to medium-haul operations once in service. Unlike fellow UAE based airline Emirates, Etihad relies heavily on narrow body planes for its short and medium-haul operations. They will soon be flying passengers from Abu Dhabi to destinations in India and south Europe.
All six new Airbus A321neo will be powered by new generation CFM LEAP-1A engines. EY avoided completely the Pratt&Whitney engines and the issues that recently they have been putting airlines through.
Still no official information is available regarding how the cabins will be set up. However, it is quite likely that they will be like what is currently seen on the A321ceo fleet. That is a cabin split in two travel classes. A smaller business class cabin, likely to be fitted with recliners, and a standard 3-3 economy class cabin. We'll have to however wait to have any confirmation until the planes have entered service.
