Emirates has unveiled a new Airbus A380 livery to mark the return of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup. The aircraft, tail number A6-EVE, features a vibrant decal with pink and yellow figures battling and bowling against a purple backdrop.
On Sunday (October 17, 2021), Emirates announced the debut of a special Airbus A380 livery marking the return of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, taking place for the first time in the UAE and Oman. The aircraft was revealed after a game of mini-cricket umpired by international Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, who beckoned the aircraft out as the ‘newest player’ along with over 100 Emirates Engineering team members. Once the A380 was revealed, the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup trophy also made a surprise appearance, giving enthusiastic employees a change to pose with the iconic trophy. Emirates is the Official Airline and Global partner of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and will also sponsor the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.
In Sunday’s announcement, Emirates Airline’s Divisional SVP – Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand, Boutros Boutros, said,
“We are excited that the iconic ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup is taking place here in our home, the UAE, and we’re proud as the official airline and partner to bring in teams from all over the world to compete in what is going to be a truly memorable event fuelled by the passion of fans. Today’s livery unveiling is just one way we are bringing the flavour of the sport to fans around the world who are feverishly looking forward to thrilling cricket action after a long hiatus, and we hope to fly this aircraft to as many cricket loving nations as possible.”
Also commenting on the A380 livery reveal, the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Chief Commercial Officer, Anurag Dahiya, said,
“It is fantastic to see the ICC Men’s T20 World come to life with this themed A380 livery, what better way to spread the appeal of the event than to transport it around the world with our long-standing partner Emirates. It has been more than five years since the last Men’s T20 and the sense of excitement and anticipation is building with fans as the world’s best players descend on Oman and the UAE to compete for the ultimate prize in the shortest format of the game.”
Emirates Reveals Special Cricket-Themed A380 Livery for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup - Photo Gallery Courtesy of Emirates
The vibrant decal covering the Emirates A380, tail number A6-EVE, features pink and yellow figures battling and bowling against a purple backdrop. The aircraft made its first flight yesterday (October 16, 2021) to Mauritius, and over the next few months will fly across Emirates’ growing A380 network, with visits to the UK, South Africa, the Netherlands and other cricketing nations. Emirates directly serves 12 nations participating in the ICC T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup, the largest cricket event since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Emirates