ABU DHABI // A fly-past by an Etihad Airways aircraft has helped to celebrate the 40th birthday of the Sydney Opera House.
More than 10,000 people gathered for a day of festivities watched the Etihad A340 make a low pass over the site.
The commemorative flight EY9240 flew at about 610 metres over the World Heritage-listed venue and along the Sydney Harbour foreshore at 10.50am local time.
It has been four decades since the official opening of one of Australia’s best-known landmarks, which has become the centrepiece of Sydney’s cultural scene.
“As a partner of Sydney Opera House we are delighted to be part of its 40th birthday celebrations,” said James Hogan, Etihad’s president and chief executive.
"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.
“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.”
In command of the flight was Capt Giorgio Evangelisti, chief pilot of the A340/330 fleet. He was joined in the cockpit by Capt Gregory McCarthy and First Officer John Redward.
The Sydney Opera House was designed by the Danish architect Jorn Utzon.
jbell@thenational.ae
