Doha - Qatar Airways, the Official Airline for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, and the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (Dagoc), yesterday unveiled the first Qatar Airways Airbus A330 themed aircraft to promote the biggest ever sporting event to be staged in the region.
With 15 months to go before Doha hosts the sporting extravaganza, Qatar Airways has taken delivery of the first of its Doha 2006 Games branded aircraft, fresh off the Airbus production line in the French city of Toulouse.
Speaking at a function held at Doha International Airport to mark the occasion, Qatar Airways chief executive officer said between now and the Games, Qatar Airways will work closely with the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee to aggressively promote the event.
"Our new Airbus A330s will fly around the world in two distinct colour schemes helping promote the Games, which is by far the biggest sporting event ever to be staged in Qatar and, indeed, the region", he said.
Al Baker also said that Qatar Airways will be optimising its schedule to cater for the Asian Games requirements.
Abdullah Al Qahtani, director general of the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee and other senior officials were also present at the function.
The new livery features distinctive vibrant colours and imagery created specifically for the Doha 2006. The Qatar Airways branded Airbus A330-300 features images from two of the 39 sports featured in the Games. One side of the tail has an image of an athlete - the other a cyclist. Both the tail and rear section of the fuselage are painted in distinct bright colours of yellow and orange.
The design uses elements of texture and gradient that comprise the 'Look of the Games' which takes inspiration from Doha being a city of contrasts - old and new, sand and sea, preservation and progress.
The motto 'Let the Spirit Move You' is inscribed on the fuselage to promote the spirit of the Games next year. Qatar Airways' partnership logo with the Doha 2006 Games is emblazoned across both engines which are painted bright orange, and on either side of the forward section of the aircraft.
The next A330-Games aircraft to be delivered during September will feature the second branded design of striking blue with the Asian Games mascot, 'Orry' emblazoned on both sides of the tail.
© The Peninsula 2005
