Etihad Airways flight EY9240, an Airbus A340-600 with registration A6-EHK, flew at 10.50am on 20 October 2013 at 2,000 feet over the landmark Sydney Opera House as a low-altitude aerial salute in celebration of the iconic venue’s 40th birthday celebrations. More than 10,000 people gathered at the Sydney Opera House for a special ‘Cake and a Song’ event to celebrate the venue’s actual birthday. Etihad Airways is a partner of Sydney Opera House,
“On behalf of the Etihad Airways’ 16,500 staff worldwide, I extend our best wishes to the Government of New South Wales, Sydney Opera House Trust, and the people of Sydney on this special occasion,” James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, “We are immensely proud to be the official international airline of Sydney Opera House and to support its mission to create, produce and present the most acclaimed, imaginative and engaging performing arts experiences from Australia and around the world.”
Captain Giorgio Evangelisti, the chief pilot of the airline’s A340/330 fleet was commander of the historic flight. Joining him in the cockpit included Captain Gregory McCarthy and First Officer John Redward.
