Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, based in its capital, Abu Dhabi, made its first commercial flight in November 2003. Since then, the airline has grown faster than any other in commercial aviation history, currently serving 60 destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and North America with a young and environmentally-efficient fleet of 53 aircraft.

Etihad offers the highest standards of service and comfort on the ground and in the air with world-class cuisine, award-winning flat-beds in its premium cabins and the widest seats in economy, as well as more than 600 hours of on-demand in-flight entertainment.

International sports sponsorship plays a central role in Etihad's global marketing strategy, as it seeks to develop its profile in markets across the world. Major international sponsorship deals include the Ferrari F1 Grand Prix team, Manchester City Football Club, Etihad Stadium, Harlequins Rugby Football Club and the All Irish Hurling Championships. Etihad is the title sponsor of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.