With Zayed International Airport poised to accommodate up to 45 million passengers annually, the partnership between Etihad Airways and Manchester City promises to elevate travel experiences for football fans and travellers alike with its latest activation.
As longstanding partners, Etihad Airways and Manchester City Football Club have produced a short film that brings the excitement of football to the sleek terminals of Zayed International Airport. The exhilarating video not only celebrates Etihad Airways’ new hub, but also showcases players from the Treble-winning men’s first team as they transform the airport into a vibrant football pitch.
The narrative shows a young Emirati football enthusiast walking through the airport before being greeted by Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, and Erling Haaland in the terminal. Despite initial hesitation, the young fan is encouraged to join in the fun after receiving a nod of approval from City manager Pep Guardiola himself. This leads to a playful interaction that culminates in a spectacular display of football skills amidst the bustling terminal.
The activation coincided with the relaunch of Etihad’s A380 connecting Abu Dhabi to New York, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s journey. Etihad CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, said: “Working with Manchester City on this project represents our latest collaboration with the world’s champion football club. We thank Pep Guardiola and the Manchester City players for making such a wonderful video to showcase the premium experience that our guests can expect when travelling to, from or through Zayed International Airport.”
MD and CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, Ferran Soriano, said: “Since its inception, we wanted Zayed International Airport to be a welcoming place for travellers worldwide, a place that re-imagines the airport experience and where everyone can feel at home, enjoying the sense of a place they feel comfortable in. We are happy that this iconic video shows how at ease the Manchester Football Club players are, playing football like the terminal was their training field.
As Etihad continues its journey to enhance the passenger experience and promote Abu Dhabi as a premier travel destination, the collaboration with Manchester City represents a dynamic fusion of sports, entertainment, and hospitality.
