The 2021 Formula 1 season has started, As it was in 2020, the new season started at a different circuit in Melbourne, Australia as usual. Covid-19 caused some tracks to be changed and the date on the calendar or even cancelled.
The 2021 season started in Bahrain, and as is almost a 'tradition', airlines from the middle east are usually one of the sponsors of both Formula 1 and other sporting events.
That year, Gulf Air was the airline that sponsored the category's initial race in Bahrain and put one of its aircraft on a presentation flyby. The aircraft chosen was a Boeing 787-9 registration A9C-FF that was delivered to the airline in 2019.
The low-altitude overflights are practically a show on their own before the start of the Formula 1 races. Gulf Air flew over the circuit with a Boeing 787 with fuel that reduces carbon emissions during the flight. According to the company's statement, the reduction can reach 20%.
“[Boeing 787-9s] feature superior fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, consuming 20% less fuel and producing approximately 20% less emissions than the aircraft they replaced in Gulf Air's previous fleet. In this MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel provides an immediate solution to reduce flight carbon emissions. Cleanly and throughout its life cycle, its use results in up to 80%* lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil aviation fuel.” Said Gulf Air.
In addition to being a vastly modern plane, the Boeing 787 is silent. In this video above it shows that the engines of the cars still generate more noise than the 787 flying over the circuit.
This was the third time that the company has performed a flyby in a Formula 1 race, the other occasions were in 2018 and 2020 also with the Boeing 787.
“Each year, Gulf Air is proud to be the title sponsor of the Formula 1 race at the Bahrain International Circuit. This year, we will mark the start of the race with a truly special low-emissions flypast highlighting our future strategy of exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuel in our aircraft and maintaining our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions.” Said the Commander Waleed AlAlawi, acting CEO of Gulf Air.
This is an excellent marketing opportunity for the company, in addition to showing its product in some transport occasions for teams and pilots, also has its name and brand stamped on the official name of the event.
