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UAE. American actor Tom Cruise returned today to Abu Dhabi International Airport’s soon to be opened Midfield Terminal, where key parts of the new Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One movie were shot, ahead of the film’s Middle East premiere at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental tomorrow night.
The star of the highly anticipated seventh instalment of the Mission: Impossible franchise arrived on the first flight into the new Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
In celebration of the film, Cruise unveiled custom Mission: Impossible livery on an Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner. As the official airline of the movie, Etihad will carry the movie branding on this aircraft as it flies to destinations worldwide.
Midfield Terminal’s spectacular structure was also decorated with a similar theme to recognise its role in the movie. One of the film’s most thrilling and technically complex action scenes was shot on the building’s 315 metre roof.
The official release of the movie in cinemas on 13 July will mark the first time that the terminal’s interior will be seen by the general public. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One also features purpose-built sets at the airport, including an Etihad First Class Lounge, as well as scenes set in the Liwa Desert.
Abu Dhabi Airports Acting Chief Executive Officer Elena Sorlini said: “We are delighted to welcome Tom Cruise, the cast and crew of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One back to Abu Dhabi.
“We’re proud of our role in the film and our contribution to Abu Dhabi as a destination that attracts global talent. The scenes showcased in the movie are a testament to the architecture, scale and design of the iconic Midfield Terminal, which is inspired by the cultural elements of Abu Dhabi.”
Etihad Aviation Group Group Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves: “Partnering with Mission: Impossible is a great testament to destination Abu Dhabi and what it has to offer. I couldn’t be prouder of Abu Dhabi and our team in showcasing the unique attractions of the emirate, our new airport and Etihad in the movie.”
The scenes filmed at the Midfield Terminal required 21 days of preparation, seven days of filming production, and involved 762 cast, crew and suppliers.
Etihad Airways enters into the reckoning
In related news, Etihad Airways has teamed up with Paramount Pictures to celebrate the film’s release.
From this month to August, guests flying in Etihad’s First and Business cabins are being treated to a cinema style Movie Snacks menu and indulge in themed mocktails such as Mission Accomplished, Undercover Sipper, Secret Agent and Thyme’s Up. All Etihad guests will enjoy inflight entertainment featuring Mission: Impossible content.
In addition to the onboard experience, Etihad will be celebrating the film’s release with a co-branded marketing campaign featuring bespoke content and flight specials with self-destructing offers.
Later in the year, guests travelling on Etihad will be able to experience a dedicated Mission: Impossible channel on E-BOX, its inflight entertainment service. The channel will feature all seven of the Mission Impossible series films as well as exciting behind-the-scenes content.
Etihad Airways Vice President Brand, Marketing and Sponsorships Amina Taher said: “The Mission Impossible blockbusters are a phenomenal series and we’re incredibly proud to partner with Paramount Pictures to showcase Etihad and Abu Dhabi to the world.
“We are thrilled to be able to give millions of guests the opportunity to enjoy the Mission Impossible films during their Etihad flight and to showcase the film across our global network.” ✈
