Emirates Airline, one of the fastest growing international airlines in the world, has signed a $195 million deal to become a FIFA partner from 2007 to 2014 – by which time the airline will be approximately twice its current size.

As a FIFA Partner, the highest level of association a sponsoring company can have with football’s governing body, Emirates has rights to all FIFA events – including both the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups – enhanced global media exposure, and an association with FIFA’s special events and development initiatives.

Emirates is currently an Official Partner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and this new relationship cements the airline’s position as one of the world’s most committed supporters of international football.

Commenting on the deal Sheikh Ahmed said: “As an Official Partner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Emirates wanted to strengthen our association with international football, the most widely supported sport in the world. It is part of Emirates plan to become a global brand and household name and association with the most high-profile sporting event in the world is one part of Emirates’ strategy to achieve that aim.”

A part of its Partnership status with FIFA is that Emirates has a commitment from FIFA to ensure that at least 22 matches including the opening match, two quarter-finals, two semi-finals, the third place play off and the final of both the 2010 and the 2014 FIFA World Cups may be shown on free-to-air television within the territory of the United Arab Emirates.

Emirates passengers will also benefit as Emirates has the exclusive right to broadcast matches of the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups either live or delayed on its in-flight entertainment systems.

Emirates flies to Malta four times a week via Larnaca, Cyprus, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday on A330-200. The airline operates services to 81 destinations in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and Asia-Pacific.