Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing international airlines, and Arsenal Football Club have today announced a new £150 million deal which grants the airline a five year extension to their shirt partnership with the Club until the end of the 2018/2019 season.
As well as being one of the biggest deals ever struck in the game, the agreement, worth £30 million a year for five years, extends and deepens one of the strongest and most recognisable partnerships in sport.
"Arsenal’s strong appeal around the globe and ambitious approach to the game parallel our own approach to business, making them a valuable partner for our brand," said His Highness (HH) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.
As part of the deal Arsenal’s home will continue to be known as Emirates Stadium up to 2028.
The Emirates brand will also continue appearing on the front of Arsenal’s playing and training kits and the new agreement contains a number of marketing rights, which come into effect immediately, to ensure Emirates can engage with Arsenal fans in the UK and abroad.
“Emirates is the perfect partner for Arsenal and we are delighted to have agreed a new partnership," said Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis. The new agreement was formally concluded at Emirates Stadium by Arsenal Chief Executive, Ivan Gazidis and Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Boutros Boutros.
As part of the partnership agreement the Arsenal soccer school in Dubai, which launched in 2010, will also continue.
Emirates first signed its sponsorship agreement with Arsenal in 2004, providing the airline with naming rights to the stadium until 2021 and a shirt sponsorship that began in the 2006/2007 season.
Aside from European football club sponsorships, Emirates is also an Official Partner of the FIFA World Cup™, the Official Airline of a number of golf tournaments internationally and supports a range of high-profile horse racing, tennis, rugby, sailing and cricket events across the globe.
The airline flies on a daily schedule from Dubai to Malta via Larnaka, Cyprus.