Hollywood screen icon Nicole Kidman provides the face and narrative for the airline's evocative new 'Flying Reimagined' brand campaign

Etihad Airways has launched its new global brand campaign with the worldwide premiere of a new television commercial (TVC) in Abu Dhabi, attended by Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman, representatives of the global media and hundreds of specially invited guests.

Nicole Kidman is both star and narrator of the captivating feature, which will be shown on global TV stations and social media in both 60 and 30 second formats, with still versions of the campaign appearing in print, digital and on outdoor channels.

The TVC was shot onboard Etihad Airways' new flagship Airbus A380 and in locations around the world, including various landmarks in Abu Dhabi. The TVC also features a digitally created scene of Kidman in the interior of the soon to be opened Louvre Abu Dhabi, celebrated architect Jean Nouvel's futuristic and awe-inspiring showcase of modern architecture, influenced by the light and geometric patterns of the Emirate.

The Foster & Partners Vieux Port Pavilion in Marseilles was chosen to reflect the airline's focus on design, while the Villa Méditerranée, also in Marseilles, a centre of culture and promotion of international dialogue and friendship, symbolises Etihad Airways' role as a global ambassador. The 17th century baroque hall of the historic Strahov Library in Prague represents knowledge, learning, and the desire to innovate and lead.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer said: “Etihad Airways is constantly pushing boundaries, taking inspiration from the world to provide a superlative in-flight experience for our guests. We are rewriting the rule book and reimagining flying by breaking away from convention and leading the way in innovation, design, style and hospitality. This new campaign has succeeded brilliantly in bringing our unique brand and service ethos to life on film, in print and on digital channels.

“Nicole Kidman, as a globally respected artist, was the perfect voice and face for our story, and embodies worldly sophistication, intelligence, originality, and elegance - values which form the foundations of the Etihad brand.”

The opening scene shows Kidman flicking through the pages of an inspirational novel at the Strahov library, with subsequent sequences showing the actress enjoying the revolutionary cabins and service offerings onboard Etihad Airways' new A380. These include relaxing in The Lobby, enjoying watching TV in the spacious First Apartment and finally falling back into the double bed in the bedroom of the three-room The Residence by Etihad™ - the only such private living space in commercial aviation. The closing line, “Because their goal isn't to improve on what has been done before – but to totally reimagine it”, concludes the TVC with air-to-air footage of the new A380 in evening light, resplendent in the airline's new 'Facets of Abu Dhabi' livery.

The Etihad Airways brand story has been interpreted and visually translated by husband and wife directorial team Anthony Atanasio and Valerie Martinez, who have created some of the most visually daring commercials of the last six years, crafting clever and mesmerizing films for major global brands.

According to Anthony Atanasio, “This film represents a wonderful opportunity to create an incredible mood of beauty and poignancy, to make viewers 'feel' the ideas, the connections, the materials, the creativity, the freshness and excitement and also the tangible, personal benefits of how Etihad Airways has reimagined flying.

“We want to deliver an elevated sense of beauty, artistry, and enlightenment, giving viewers with the sense that Etihad Airways has raised the bar not only in airline travel, but in the larger realm of human endeavour.”

The concept for the new campaign was created by M&C Saatchi Australia, part of Etihad Airways' global creative agency, M&C Saatchi.

Tom McFarlane, Founding Creative Director at M&C Saatchi Australia, adds: “On the completion of a campaign I'm often asked what inspired me. The answers are many and varied, but in this case the inspiration came directly from the product itself. Who could not be inspired by the sheer elegance, style, and dare I say it, reimagining of this remarkable aircraft? Hopefully, all of which we have captured perfectly in this campaign.”

The TVC was produced by Trent Simpson through London-based production company Thomas and Thomas. The Director of Photography was British cinematographer Daniel Landin, who has shot numerous short films and music videos, including for the Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Madonna amongst others, as well as TV and cinema commercials for leading global premium brands.

The accompanying soundtrack was specially commissioned by the airline and composed by Ramesh Sathiah, Creative Director and Composer at Sydney-based audio design company Song Zu. Sathiah's simple, cinematic score, peppered with Arabic musical elements, forms the perfect accompaniment to the imagery. The soundtrack was conducted by Roger Benedict of the Sydney Scoring Orchestra, a group drawn from the elite musicians of the Sydney Symphony, Australian Chamber, and Australian Opera Orchestras.

The TVC can be viewed on the Etihad Airways website at: www.etihad.com/livenews and http://bit.ly/Live_News.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2014 carried 14.8 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to 111 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 111 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 69 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and nine Airbus A380s.

Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Aer Lingus, Alitalia, Jet Airways and Virgin Australia, and is in the process of formalising an equity investment in Swiss-based Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline. Etihad Airways, along with airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and NIKI, also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand that brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.  For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com

For more information:

Stephen Mahoney  

Senior Manager Corporate Communications, Australia and Asia Pacific

Etihad Airways

Level 26, 1 O'Connell Street

Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Direct:   + 612 8024 7213
Fax:  + 612 8024 7228

Mobile:  + 61 488 125 538

etihad.com 

The National Airline of the United Arab Emirates