The new design, that includes a 3D effect to the UAE flag on the tailfin, is the highlight of the Emirates’ new look. The 3D effect creates a “blowing in the wind” appearance, and red-painted wingtips now have a striking white Emirates logo written in Arabic calligraphy.
The refresh comes 14 years after the original livery was unveiled with the airline’s launch in 1985. Airbus A380 with the registration A6-EOE is the first aircraft to get the new look. This aircraft has previously donned special liveries such as the Dubai Expo 2020 and the one to celebrate the United Arab Emirates’ 50th anniversary.
The airline says the new livery will gradually be applied across the rest of the existing Emirates fleet with 24 aircraft, including 17 Boeing 777s, expected to sport the refreshed livery by the end of 2023. All new Emirates aircraft, from the first Airbus A350 entering the fleet in August 2024 will be delivered in this new livery.
Sir Tim Clark, Emirates Airline president, said the aircraft livery is the most instantly recognizable brand real estate for any airline. “It’s a visual representation of our unique identity, something we wear proudly, and display in all the cities we fly to around the world, We’re refreshing our livery to keep it modern, without losing the key elements of our identity such as the UAE flag on our tailfin and the Arabic calligraphy.”
According to the official statement, the signature gold “Emirates” lettering across the main body in English and Arabic is also bolder, and 32.5 percent larger. Emirates retained its iconic red branding, which is introduced in 2005, on the aircraft belly.
Negus & Negus, a U.K design company, created Emirates’ original livery in 1985, and the subsequent aircraft colors were created by the airline’s in-house design team. Over the years, Emirates’ numerous colorful and eye-catching aircraft livery have included bespoke designs to drive sponsorship brand association, and for special occasions such as the UAE’s 50th Jubliee livery, and Expo 2020 Dubai.
