Up, up and away, the amazing flying Aston in Dubai

Aston Martin, the quintessentially British sports car maker, is today continuing its centenary celebrations in spectacular style at one of the world’s most recognisable luxury destinations, the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. 

 

Today’s audacious event features the airlift of Aston Martin’s ultimate GT, the Vanquish, onto the helipad at the iconic hotel, in front of some of the region’s most important dignitaries.

 

 

It’s the first time a car has been placed onto the helipad, which sits 1,000ft above the ground at the top of the sail-shaped building.

 

Speaking from the helipad, Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: “It is with great pride that we continue our centenary celebrations in such unique manner in the city of Dubai.

 

 

“Today we are achieving another world first – one of many for Aston Martin over the years. This is a true feat for Aston Martin and a fantastic way to begin a new century of global success for our iconic brand.”

 

The event today underlines the company’s position as a globally renowned luxury car brand, as Dr Bez explained: “Aston Martin remains one of the most exclusive and sought-after brands in the world, so it is only right that a key element of our year-long centenary celebrations takes place in a similarly high profile destination.”

 

 

Witnessing the remarkable event British Ambassador to the UAE Dominic Jermey said: “Aston Martin is one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands.  “I cannot think of a more spectacular or fitting way for this great British tradition to mark its one hundredth anniversary, particularly in this city that is so passionate for luxury and bespoke brands.”   

 

This week has already seen the official anniversary of the founding of Aston Martin 100 years ago with a ceremony in London’s Henniker Mews – the original home of the company founded on 15 January 1913.

 

Aston Martin is also marking the centenary with an exclusive Centenary Edition specification that will be available worldwide on just 100 examples of each of the car maker’s model lines: V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and Vanquish.

 

 

Featuring a unique graduated paint finish, solid sterling silver Aston Martin wings badges with tailored ‘trans flux’ enamel inlay and a special Aston Martin hallmark, the exterior represents an exclusive new celebration of the company’s 100-year history.

 

The events in London and Dubai mark the start of a year-long celebration of all things Aston Martin, with events taking place worldwide over the next 12 months.

 

In the UK, a week-long Aston Martin festival will take place from 15 July to 21 July. Designed to appeal to owners and enthusiasts of the brand, the Centenary Week will include ‘open house’ activities at Aston Martin’s exclusive Gaydon headquarters, including factory-based events and driving tours and will culminate in a 1,000-guest ‘birthday party’ on Saturday 20 July and a spectacular Centenary gathering in central London on Sunday 21 July.

 

 

This highlight of the centenary celebrations will be held in partnership with the Aston Martin Heritage Trust and the Aston Martin Owners Club will feature 100 of the brand’s most iconic cars in a multi-million pound timeline display. The event will also see one of the largest gatherings of Aston Martins in the 100-year history of the great British marque.

 

In addition, appearances at major automotive events throughout 2013 including Nürburgring 24-Hours, Silverstone Classic, Villa D’Este, Le Mans 24-Hours and Pebble Beach will ensure that the celebration is truly global.