AN ETIHAD Airways Airbus A340-600 recently performed a low-altitude aerial salute to Sydney Opera House as part of the iconic venue’s 40th birthday celebrations.
The aircraft operating the commemorative flight – EY9240 – flew at approximately 2,000 feet over the World Heritage-listed venue and along the Sydney Harbour foreshore.
The fly past was watched by more than 10,000 who had gathered at Sydney Opera House for a special ‘Cake and A Song’ event to celebrate the venue’s birthday.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer said: “As a partner of Sydney Opera House we are delighted to be part of its 40th birthday celebrations. On behalf of the Etihad Airways’ 16,500 staff worldwide, I extend our best wishes to the Government of New South Wales, Sydney Opera House Trust, and the people of Sydney on this special occasion.”
In command of the historic flight on A6-EHK (the aircraft registration) was chief pilot of the airline’s A340/330 fleet, Captain Giorgio Evangelisti. He was joined in the cockpit by Captain Gregory McCarthy and First Officer John Redward.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline is a major partner of the world-renowned performing arts venue which is famously located at Bennelong Point on the Sydney Harbour foreshore. Its sponsorship of Sydney Opera House is the airline’s most valuable and significant arts and cultural investment worldwide.
Recently, the airline’s sponsorship of Melbourne Recital Centre was recognised with the 2013 Creative Partnerships Partnering Award for the State of Victoria. Creative Partnerships Australia is an Australian Government initiative which fosters business partnerships with the arts.
The coveted award acknowledges successful partnerships between cultural organisations and businesses that employ more than 200 people. To qualify, partnerships must mutually benefit each partner and the broader community. Etihad Airways’ general manager for Australia and New Zealand, Luisa Pastrello, said the win highlighted the value of the partnership between the UAE flag carrier and Melbourne’s unique live music venue. “As Melbourne Recital Centre’s official airline partner, our support has enabled an 80 per cent increase in the number of international musicians performing at the venue since the partnership was established in 2009.”
Etihad Airways’ state manager Victoria, Craig Thomas, accepted the award from the Victorian Minister for the Arts, The Honourable Heidi Victoria MP, at a gala ceremony in the state capital. The airline’s partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre is now a finalist in the national awards to be announced on November 18 at Parliament House in Canberra.