It has been a busy few weeks for Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has now unveiled a new livery design on both the new A380s and ,the new Dreamliners. It is a design which will be rolled out across Etihad?s stylish fleet. The new livery was unveiled on the A787 earlier this month (October) having previously been seem when Etihad Airways? first A380 rolled-out of the paint hangar at the Airbus Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg, Germany in September.

The diamond pattern has been created by leading brand consultants Landor Associates in partnership with Etihad Airways. It is inspired by traditional Emirati design patterns and the geometric shapes found in the modern architecture of Abu Dhabi. The golden colours echo the landscapes of the desert. More specifically the colour palette is designed to reflect the varying hues of the landscape of the UAE, from the darker sands of Liwa to the lighter colours seen in the Northern Emirates.

The design development involved researching design options amongst Emiratis and international travellers to help select the final ?winning? livery. The UAE national emblem is given prominence along the fuselage next to the Etihad name and the national flag is respectfully featured forward near the cockpit.

The new look continues inside the aircraft with the design pattern a key feature of the new cabin interiors on Etihad Airways? Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft .It is also being rolled out across the airline?s corporate branding ? from advertising to brochures to premium lounges.

The entire Etihad Airways fleet of more than 100 aircraft, as well as those to be delivered, will be painted in the new livery during the next three years ensuring that the Facets of Abu Dhabi is seen across the world.

It is Remarkable to think that Etihad Airways, has only been in the sky eleven years and yet for luxury travellers it is one of the go-to airlines for style and comfort. The Residence by Etihad which features a living room, separate double bedroom and ensuite shower room was the first three-room luxury suite in history of commercial aviation. Etihad is constantly pushing the luxury envelope. An impressive achievement.

LUXURY INSIDERS SAY... Etihad Airways' first Airbus A380 will operate on flights between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow from 27 December 2014. The two subsequent deliveries of the A380 in early 2015 will also service the same route. Later in 2015, A380s will operate to Sydney and New York as Etihad Airways receives its fourth and fifth aircraft.

LUXURY TRAVEL FACTS:The airline has currently 10 of the giant double-decker airliners on order.

Luxury Travel Link: www.etihad.com

Laurence D'Annon 10/10/14