Pele’s reputation in sporting circles has always been sky high having inspired Brazil to three World Cup successes - and, thanks to Emirates Airline, he will be reaching great heights once again.
The Dubai carrier has introduced its first “Pele-ane”, a Boeing 777-300ER with the Emirates global ambassador’s signature emblazoned across the fuselage along with a Fifa World Cup 2014 design.
The 350-seat aircraft will be used on the Dubai to Sao Paulo route, with the tournament set to begin tomorrow.
Emirates said two further Boeing 777 Pele-anes will be unveiled tomorrow, and an Airbus A380 will launch “shortly afterwards”.
The airline says it expects to fly more than 18,000 passengers on its daily flights to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo during the course of this summer’s World Cup.
Pele, full name Edson Arantes do Nascimento, won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970, making him the only footballer to have done so.
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