Emirates has unveiled a bold Airbus A380 aircraft design that pays homage to AC Milan’s illustrious 125-year football heritage. The custom livery celebrates a longstanding sporting history and partnership.
Starting 26 November, football fans worldwide can witness this striking aircraft operating on Emirates’ extensive global network. The entire livery—from concept to final execution—was a testament to Emirates Engineering’s in-house expertise. The Aircraft Appearance Centre teams was responsible for the complete design and installation process.
A Visual Tribute to a Football Icon
Both sides of the Emirates A380’s fuselage have been adorned with vibrant red and black stripes, taking inspiration from AC Milan’s logo. These colors, deeply ingrained in the club’s identity, create a striking visual representation of the Rossoneri’s long-standing tradition of excellence.
The aircraft’s exterior tells a rich story of football passion. The design team featured the club’s official badge prominently. It displays Milan’s iconic flag, the ACM acronym, and the foundational year that marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Adjacent to these elements, the ‘125 Milan’ wordmark celebrates the club’s milestone anniversary.
A dynamic silhouette of a footballer mid-kick, wearing the Emirates ‘Fly Better’ jersey, adds movement and energy to the design. This powerful image encapsulates the partnership’s spirit of ambition, innovation, and athletic excellence.
A Decade-Long Legacy of Partnership
Emirates’ relationship with AC Milan has gone beyond corporate sponsorship. It has developed into a strategic alliance built on shared values of performance and global reach. The partnership began in September 2007, quickly evolving from a standard sponsorship to a top institutional collaboration.
By the 2010/2011 season, Emirates had become the jersey sponsor, instantly connecting with an impressive global fan base of over 500 million Rossoneri supporters. The partnership has been a witness to football history, with nearly 1000 goals scored by players donning the Emirates-branded jersey.
AC Milan: A Football Legacy Spanning Generations
Founded in 1899 in Milan, Italy, AC Milan represents more than just a football club—it’s a global sporting institution. The club’s 125-year history is studded with remarkable achievements:
- 7 Champions League titles (second-most in European football history)
- 19 Serie A domestic league championships
- 5 UEFA Super Cup victories
- A global fan base exceeding 550 million passionate supporters
The club continues to innovate, currently playing at the iconic San Siro Stadium while developing a state-of-the-art 70,000-seat stadium that promises to be one of the world’s most advanced sports and entertainment complexes.
In August 2022, a new chapter began with RedBird Capital Partners’ acquisition, bringing the New York Yankees on board as a minority investor. With offices in Milan and Dubai, AC Milan continues to bridge tradition and modernity, inspiring football enthusiasts across generations.
This Emirates A380 livery is being seen as more than a marketing initiative. It’s also a celebration of football’s enduring spirit, a testament to a partnership that transcends traditional sponsorship, and a tribute to 125 years of sporting excellence.
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