Emirates Airlines on Saturday, unveiled a special tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, with a bespoke livery for its 100th A380, carrying one of his most memorable images.

The unique livery is the first time Emirates will feature a customised decal of a well-known public figure, marking the airline’s first initiative for the ‘Year of Zayed,’ which commences in 2018, coinciding with the centennial of the birth of the UAE’s founding father. A total of ten Emirates aircraft, five Airbus A380s and five Boeing 777-300ERs, will carry the special livery. The aircraft will also display the distinctive decal of Sheikh Zayed beginning in November 2017 and continuing throughout 2018.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, said, "Sheikh Zayed dedicated his life to the building of a prosperous UAE, and we are proud to celebrate his remarkable legacy and honour his memory. Sheikh Zayed left an indelible mark on our home, the UAE, and we hope to help preserve his legacy and spirit by spreading his message of inspiration, dedication, and leadership around the world, as our aircraft take to the skies and circle the globe."

The bespoke decal will cover an area of 480 square metres on the A380 and 312 square metres on the Boeing 777-300ER, showing one of the late leader's most iconic images. All of the aircraft are expected to fly to the Emirates’ network of 156 destinations.

On average, it will take three days and up to eight staff to install the decals at the Emirates Engineering Aircraft Appearance Centre.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the founding father of the UAE, and one of the most prolific Arab leaders of his generation. His driving vision and leadership infused the UAE with a spirit of responsibility, and motivation to pursue long-lasting sustainable development.

Earlier this year, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, declared 2018 as the ‘Year of Zayed,’ marking 100 years since the birth of the nation’s founding father, and highlighting his role in establishing the Federation, as well as his achievements on a local, regional and international level.