Etihad Airways unveils world's first Warner Bros aircraft in Abu Dhabi

Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes and superhero favourites from the DC Universe adorn the Boeing 787

The inaugural flight on the new Warner Bros World aircraft will be from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow. Photo: Etihad Airways

Travellers flying with Etihad Airways could be in for a fun-filled surprise the next time they fly from Abu Dhabi.

On Thursday, the national airline of the UAE unveiled the world's first Warner Bros-branded aircraft, in partnership with Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.

Sporting characters from Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry on one side, the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner is emblazoned with DC superheroes on the other. A jet model was revealed at an event at the Yas Island attraction.

It will make its maiden voyage on Saturday, bound for London Heathrow. The aircraft will rotate service to other destinations including Dublin, Amsterdam, Vienna, Bangkok and Manilla, meaning not only UK-bound passengers can join the ride.

And that's not all folks. Starting Saturday, Etihad will roll out new Warner Bros-themed gift packs featuring DC superheroes. Infants on board flights will be given a baby blanket depicting the likes of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, while bigger children can look forward to a backpack filled with a superhero cape, water bottle and activity kit. The new gift packs will be rolled out across all Etihad flights over the summer months.

Young travellers can also get inspired by Warner Bros before they fly at the newly opened lounge at Zayed International Airport. Dedicated to children, the space is packed with immersive activities, designed to give passengers a taste of what awaits at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.

“We are absolutely delighted to partner with Etihad Airways to bring the first-ever Warner Bros World-branded aircraft to fans," said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, group chief executive of Miral, which operates the park. "This collaboration not only expands the customer experience but also extends the thrill of Warner Bros World beyond our park’s walls, creating a super vacation with long-lasting unforgettable memories for passengers of all ages."

Etihad first teamed up with the US entertainment company in 2022 to launch its Little VIP campaign, promoting family-friendly flights. Children flying with Etihad are currently offered Warner Bros-themed goodies such as Tweety blankets and Scooby-Doo backpacks.

“Building on the strong reputation we have built as a family-friendly airline, we’re thrilled to take our partnership with Warner Bros World to the next level," said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive at Etihad. "Our Looney Tunes and DC superhero-themed aircraft will take our brands to destinations worldwide promoting one of Abu Dhabi’s many attractions."

Abu Dhabi is no stranger to the magic of Warner Bros. The UAE capital is the only destination in the world to have a Warner Bros-themed hotel. Located on Yas Island, the five-star WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton is filled with film memorabilia, screens cartoons by the swimming pool and allows guests to order room service that comes hand-delivered by Bugs Bunny.