England rugby captain Chris Robshaw celebrated with Etihad Airways cabin crew as a trio of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner model aircraft touched down at Terminal 4 this week.
He celebrated the grand unveiling of the three new model planes emblazoned in the airline's livery on the Etihad roundabout as the carrier celebrated its 10th anniversary of services from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi.
The Harlequins rugby captain was joined by senior management from Etihad Airways, Boeing, and JCDecaux airport to celebrate the unveil, on Monday (April 28).
Mr Robshaw said: “I fly from Heathrow a lot with England and Harlequins and it’ll be great to see the three Boeing 787 Dreamliners each time I head off on a flight.
"I’ve been involved in a number of promotions with Etihad in Abu Dhabi so it’s nice to take part in this one a little closer to home.”
The eye-catching structure features three huge 9.5 metre long models of Boeing 787 aircraft located on the 28 metre by 31 metre roundabout on the approach to T4.
Each weighs in at 1.4 tonnes, with a wing span of 10 metres, and will be seen by more than 6.6 million people every year as they drive past the roundabout.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer, said: “Heathrow is one of Etihad Airways’ most popular destinations and we’re delighted to use one of the most prominent and well-known locations at the airport to promote the Boeing 787 aircraft which we’ll take delivery of later this year.”
Marty Bentrott, vice president, sales, Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “The 787 Dreamliner’s revolutionary capabilities will enable Etihad Airways to remain at the forefront of the world’s elite airlines, offering its passengers a wide range of global destinations with exceptional in-flight comfort.
“The unveiling is testament to the significant role the 787 will play in Etihad’s future fleet and we are proud of the continued confidence it has placed in our products.”
Etihad who sponsor Harlequins rugby club have worked in partnership with airport advertiser JCDecaux Airport for the unveil.
Alan Sullivan, of JCDecaux Airport, said: “This is a fantastic addition to our Heathrow media portfolio and it is great to see Etihad Airways harness the potential of this space.
“The travel sector is one of our most important categories at JCDecaux Airport and we’re delighted that a valued commercial partner such as Etihad Airways is dominating the gateway to their home at Terminal 4 with this iconic installation.”
Etihad Airways which operates three daily flight from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi has 71 Dreamliners on order - the largest of any airline.
