Qatar Airways, the Official Airline for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, and the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC), unveiled the first Qatar Airways Airbus A330 themed aircraft to promote the biggest-ever sporting event to be staged in the region.
With 15 months to go before Doha hosts the sporting extravaganza, Qatar Airways has taken delivery of the first of its Doha 2006 Games branded aircraft, fresh off the Airbus production line in the French city of Toulouse. The new livery features distinctive vibrant colours and imagery created specifically for the Doha 2006 Games which will be difficult to miss in many of the 66 destinations served by the award-winning airline. There are two distinct designs created on the next seven A330s that will fly in the new colours with deliveries taking place over the next nine months until May 2006.
The first Qatar Airways branded Airbus A330-300 features images from two of the 39 sports featured in the Games. One side of the tail has an image of an athlete – the other a cyclist. Both the tail and rear section of the fuselage are painted in distinct bright colours of yellow and orange. The design uses elements of texture and gradient that comprise the ‘Look of the Games’ which takes inspiration from Doha being a city of contrasts – old and new, sand and sea, preservation and progress. ‘Let the Spirit Move You’ are words inscribed on the fuselage to promote the spirit of the Games in which athletes from across the Asian continent will compete for fame and glory next year. Qatar Airways’ partnership logo with the Doha 2006 Games is emblazoned across both engines which are painted bright orange, and on either side of the forward section of the aircraft.
The newest A330, which entered commercial service last month, is Qatar Airways’ 41st aircraft to join its young and modern fleet of all-Airbus jets. The next A330-Games aircraft to be delivered during September will feature the second branded design of striking blue with the Asian Games mascot, ‘Orry’ emblazoned on both sides of the tail. Orry is the ambassador for both the Games and Qatar, representing the commitment and enthusiasm of the people of Qatar while preserving the cultural heritage and hospitality of the host city. Qatar Airways’ CEO Akbar Al Baker said the new branded aircraft will be ‘flying icons’ that will raise awareness of Qatar and the feast of sporting entertainment in store when they take to the skies around the world over the next 15 months. Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani, director general of DAGOC, said: “The alliance with Qatar Airways will surely enable us to deliver the highest possible standards of airline service to athletes, officials, spectators and media representatives participating in the 15th Asian Games,” he said.