Abu Dhabi, UAE, 26 November 2023: Racing fans were treated to a spectacular, low-level fly-past just minutes before the start of the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by aircraft from Title Sponsor Etihad Airways and Al Fursan Al Emarat, the UAE’s aerobatic display team.

Coinciding with the airline’s 20th anniversary year, the Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner flew over the iconic start-finish line of Yas Marina Circuit at an altitude of 600 ft, at precisely 16:44 and 55 seconds.

The flight was operated by four of Etihad’s most experienced pilots, including Captain Driss Moussaoui who is also celebrating 20 years of flying for Etihad this month. He was joined on the flight deck by senior captains Abdullah Saleh, Mohammed al Tamimi, and Mimmo Catalano.

Following shortly behind in a V formation, Al Fursan Al Emarat’s seven Aermacchi MB-339NAT jet aircraft – representing the seven emirates of the UAE – displayed vapour trails in the red, green and black colours of the UAE’s national flag.

ENDS

ABOUT ETHARA

Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. Headquartered on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, and with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning ‘thrill’ in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena and the Yas Conference Centre. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences. For further information, visit: www.ethara.com

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ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE.

Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports, receiving the Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the governing body’s highest recognition of sustainability. The award is an acknowledgement of the circuit’s long-standing commitment to environmental management with the objective of standing with Formula One in becoming Net-Zero Carbon by 2030.

As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.