Emirates and Etihad are doing it, now Qatar Airways has stepped on to the field and is looking to score a few goals (or bookings) amongst Australian sports fans.
The Doha-based airline signed a new sponsorship agreement with AFL’s Sydney Swans this week, to become the team’s ‘Official International Airline Partner’.
Along with the title, Qatar Airways will receive prominent branding at the Sydney Swans’ home games and training, which will expose the brand to thousands of sporting fans around the country.
Players will be used in exclusive marketing and promotional activities and the carrier plans to ‘enhance’ the viewing experience for match attendees in the coming seasons.
Running for three years, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said the airline believes in “connecting with our global travellers through their passion for sport”.
“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.”
His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer
“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 agreement makes Qatar Airways, which has doubled its footprint in Australia this year with new Adelaide and Sydney flights, the latest Middle Eastern carrier to tap into Australia’s love of sports.
In 2014, Etihad became the lead sponsor of Melbourne City Football Club as well as a sponsor of the iconic Docklands Stadium, while Emirates is the main sponsor of Collingwood Football Club as well as the Apia International.
Sydney Swans Chairman Andrew Pridham said the partnership is a match because both organisations share a common goal to deliver “premium experiences and strive for excellence in everything we do”.