Etihad Airways and the Sydney Opera House have announced the extension of their major partnership for five more years.

The extension will take Etihad Airways well into the Opera House’s Decade of Renewal — launched in its 40th Anniversary year in 2013 — to ensure the World Heritage-listed masterpiece of human creativity continues to inspire new generations.

In addition to being named Air Transport World’s Airline of the Year 2016, Etihad Airways was last year voted World’s Leading Airline for the seventh consecutive year.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline is also rapidly increasing its global footprint through groundbreaking innovations in product and service, major investments in destination marketing, and brand campaigns. Meanwhile, Opera House Renewal is well under way, from a suite of building projects, that will touch all four corners of Jorn Utzon’s masterpiece to a renewed focus on integrating the experience audiences and visitors enjoy at the Opera House.

Under the terms of the new deal, Etihad Airways will continue as the Sydney Opera House’s Major Partner and Opening Nights Presenting Partner.

The airline will support Opera House programming by flying guest artists and performing arts companies to Sydney from across its network of 116 international destinations.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said: “The Sydney Opera House is a world-renowned performance venue and continuing a partnership with the award-winning global airline Etihad Airways makes perfect sense.”

Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron said: “We began our partnership in the Opera House’s 40th Anniversary year, which was an important milestone for us. Three years on we are now seeing huge momentum across renewal.

Etihad Airways GM Australia and New Zealand Sarah Built said extending the partnership with Sydney Opera House for another five years underscored the airline’s commitment to Australian tourism and to the arts and culture worldwide.