The Sydney Swans have signed a three-year deal with Qatar Airways to become their official international airline partner.
It is the global carrier’s first foray into the AFL with the airline having significant sporting sponsorship deals with Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona, the UCI sanctioned Road World Championships in Doha and pan-Asian tennis tournament the International Premier Tennis League.
The agreement will see Qatar Airways receive prominent branding opportunities at Sydney Swans home games and training until at least the end of the 2019 season.
Despite the AFL itself having a league-wide sponsorship with Virgin Australia, clubs are free to sign deals with individual airlines. Gold Coast Suns, Greater Western Sydney Giants, Carlton and West Coast have deals in place with Virgin, Emirates is a major sponsor of Collingwood and China Southern is a sponsor of Melbourne.
Sydney Swans chairman, Andrew Pridham, said: “Both organisations share a common goal in that we are passionate about delivering premium experiences and strive for excellence in everything we do.
“This is a significant partnership for our football club and, as the airline’s own brand message suggests, we’re excited to be Going Places Together.”
Announcing the deal, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, added: “We strongly believe in connecting with our global travellers through their passion for sport, and have been looking for the right partner for Qatar Airways in Australia’s sports arena.
“Since we first started serving Australia in 2009, Qatar Airways has received tremendous support from the Australian community. This partnership with Sydney Swans, one of the country’s best-supported and most elite sporting teams, is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to Australia.
“We look forward to sharing in our travellers’ love for football, supporting their commitment to the Sydney Swans and in building an even stronger brand connection with our Australian market through this multi-year partnership.”
The deal with the Swans comes off the back of Qatar Airways adding Sydney to their global flight network in May.
The post Sydney Swans take flight with Qatar Airways appeared first on Sports Business Insider.