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Emirates’ ‘Sleigh380’ Holiday Reel Goes Viral as Airline Clarifies It’s Handcrafted CGI

Emirates says the viral reel was handcrafted CGI with longtime collaborator Mostafa Eldiasty.

Overview

  • The airline posted the clip on December 23, reimagining its A380 as the “Sleigh380” as it readied for departure from Dubai.
  • The video shows a glowing red nose, reindeer antlers, a wreath atop the fuselage, and a giant gift-laden sleigh being loaded by dnata “elves.”
  • After online guesses about AI, Emirates confirmed the visuals were created frame by frame in collaboration with CGI artist Mostafa Eldiasty, known as 100 Pixels.
  • The reel gathered millions of views across Instagram and X, prompting playful comments that joked about aviation safety and holiday upgrades.
  • The campaign runs alongside December offerings such as festive menus, themed lounges and limited-edition gifts during a peak period the airline estimates at about 2.3 million departures and 2.5 million arrivals.