The unique aircraft will mark the Year of Zayed…

Emirates has unveiled an eye-catching tribute to HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.

In honour of the Year of Zayed, the airline has dedicated its 100th A380 to the late leader with a special livery featuring the man himself.

Watch a video of the design being applied here:

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It’s the first time Emirates has featured a well-known public figure on an aircraft – but there won’t just be one Sheikh Zayed plane in the fleet. The design will appear on five Airbus A380s and five Boeing 777-300ERs, which will fly to different destinations in the Emirates network.

“His Highness Sheikh Zayed dedicated his life to the building of a prosperous UAE, and we are proud to celebrate his remarkable legacy and honour his memory,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates’ chairman and chief executive.

“Sheikh Zayed left an indelible mark on our home, the UAE, and we hope to help preserve his legacy and spirit, by spreading his message of inspiration, dedication, and leadership around the world as our aircraft take to the skies and circle the globe.”

Earlier this year, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president  of the UAE, declared 2018 would be the ‘Year of Zayed’, marking 100 years since the late leader’s birth.

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