Emirates Hosts the In-flight Premiere of National Geographic’s “Living in the Age of Airplanes” Onboard an A380 Aircraft
Dubai, UAE- April 7, 2015: Yesterday Emirates airline, a global connector of people, places and passions, hosted the in-flight premiere of “Living in the Age of Airplanes,” a new film for IMAX ®, giant screen, digital and other specialty theaters, that celebrates how aviation has changed the world, onboard one of the airline’s A380 aircraft.
The film, presented by National Geographic Studios, takes audiences on a journey through 95 locations in 18 countries, many of which make up Emirates’ vast global network that spans over 140 destinations worldwide. From the Maldives to the South Pole, the film illuminates how airplanes have empowered a century of global connectedness our ancestors could never have imagined.
“Emirates brings countries and cultures together through travel, and we know that aviation also has a significant impact in facilitating global trade and economies,” said Patrick Brannelly, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President for Customer Experience (Inflight Entertainment & Connectivity). “’Living in the Age of Airplanes’ pays homage to the historic lifeline of the aviation industry taking a look back at where we have come from and looking forward to a bright future. It is with great excitement that we are hosting the special media preview of this film onboard our iconic A380 – one of the most advanced aircraft in the skies today.”
The 47-minute film, narrated by actor and pilot Harrison Ford, takes audiences on a unique journey to show how the airplane has changed the world. A direct parallel to Emirates’ commitment to bringing people together, producer and director Brian J. Terwilliger set out to demonstrate how aviation has been a landmark for success in bridging the gaps between the corners of the world. Set to an original score by Academy Award®-winning composer and pilot James Horner, the film reflects on the ways that airplanes have transformed lives and progressed our global community.
“Through this film, I hope to reignite people’s wonder for aviation, one of the most extraordinary aspects of the modern world,” said Terwilliger. “After six years in the making, it was only fitting to showcase the film to the press in-flight, aboard one of the most extraordinary aircraft in the world.”
In advance of the world-premiere in Washington DC on April 8th, U.S. and International media were given a special preview of “Living in the Age of Airplanes” onboard, co-hosted by National Geographic and Emirates airline – a first-of-its-kind event.
The event began with a reception in the new Emirates Lounge located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport. Guests then boarded one of Emirates’ fleet of 59 iconic, double-decker A380s for a special flight over the Los Angeles area.
The flight was led by Captain Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum and Senior First Officers Nasser Al Ghafry and John Braddock. Both Captain Al Maktoum and FO Al Ghafry are UAE nationals. The UAE is a country that has embraced aviation as a key driver for economic prosperity, and has become a center for connecting people from all corners of the world.
On board, guests viewed the film on ice, Emirates’ award winning entertainment system, on 20-inch individual seat back monitors in the Business Class cabin. Emirates’ ice system offers passengers more than 2,000 channels of on-demand entertainment featuring movies, television shows, music and podcasts.
“Living in the Age of Airplanes” will be released to IMAX®, giant screen, 15/70 film dome and digital cinemas in North America beginning April 10, 2015.
For more information, please visit www.emirates.com. For more information on the film please visit www.airplanesmovie.com.
Emirates and the U.S.
Founded in 1985, Emirates is a global connector of people, places and economies. Based in Dubai, the airline’s global network serves more than 140 destinations in 80 countries across six continents. Its luxurious amenities, regionally inspired gourmet cuisine, award-winning in-flight entertainment system - ice, and unmatched hospitality provided by its multi-lingual Cabin Crew have made Emirates one of the world’s most recognized airline brands.
Emirates has been serving the US since launching services to New York in 2004 and has carried over nine million passenger in the past decade. The airline currently flies to nine U.S. gateways – Chicago (ORD), Boston (BOS), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), Washington (IAD) and New York (JFK), as well as operating a trans-Atlantic route between JFK and Milan. and a freighter service to Atlanta. From September 1 it will also operate a daily service to Orlando (MCO). Emirates SkyCargo transports up to 650 tons of U.S. exports each week – including auto parts from New York, apples and cherries from Seattle, and oil and gas equipment from Houston – stimulating trade and opening new markets for American businesses across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
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About National Geographic Studios
National Geographic Studios is the video and film production division of the National Geographic Society, one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, whose mission is to inspire, illuminate and teach. From television series and specials to giant screen, from mobile video to digital news and educational content, National Geographic Studios’ productions embody the Society’s long-standing reputation for stunning visuals and captivating storytelling. National Geographic Studios has received nearly 150 Emmy Awards and almost 1,000 other industry accolades, including recognition from the Peabody Awards, DuPont Columbia Awards, multiple film and museum industry awards and the highest honors from natural history film festivals. National Geographic Studios also produces and distributes giant screen and digital 3D films for the museum cinema industry. Brooke Runnette is president of National Geographic Studios.
About Terwilliger Productions
Terwilliger Productions is an independent production company based in Los Angeles that produces high-quality, thought-provoking films. The company is best known for the aviation documentary “One Six Right,” a film that celebrates local airports as unsung heroes, which was distributed worldwide. For more information, visit www.terwilligerproductions.com.
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