Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, today became a sponsor of one of the world’s biggest sporting events in an agreement making it Official Airline of Rugby World Cup 2007 in France.
This agreement, signed between Emirates and the Rugby World Cup Limited, sees Emirates extend its sport sponsorship portfolio even further, making it one of the largest and most impressive in the world.
Emirates is developing a sophisticated activation programme to bring this sponsorship to life around the world.
Gary Chapman, Emirates’ President Group Services & Dnata, said: “Rugby is a game that we are passionate about and we are excited to carry on supporting the global development of the game. The Rugby World Cup is a phenomenal event, always played in fantastic spirit and with the audiences that it attracts; it is a perfect fit for our brand. We are all looking forward to the kick-off in September.”
Dr Syd Millar, IRB and Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman, said: “Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted that Emirates has joined the impressive list of Tournament Sponsors for Rugby World Cup 2007.”
Emirates has a strong affiliation with rugby and as well as the Rugby World Cup 2007, Emirates sponsors the IRB referees and match officials, four tournaments in the IRB Sevens World Series: the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens, the Emirates Airline London Sevens and the Series finale, the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens in Scotland and the shirt sponsors of the England and Samoa sevens teams.
In Australia, Emirates sponsors the Emirates Western Force in Australia.
Emirates has an impressive global sports sponsorship portfolio and in addition to rugby, Emirates is also a strong supporter of football as sponsor of Arsenal Football Club, Arsenal’s home ground - the Emirates Stadium, Paris Saint Germain Football Club, Hamburg Football Club and as an Official Partner of FIFA.
Emirates is also heavily involved in golf, cricket, horseracing and sailing.
The airline operates five flights weekly from Malta to Dubai via Larnaca, Cyprus, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, on Airbus A330-200.