Qatar Airways has marked its first foray into the Australian Football League (AFL) with a three-year sponsorship of the Sydney Swans, signing with the team until the end of the 2019 season.
The multiple-award winning carrier was named Official International Airline Partner earlier today at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, home of the Sydney Swans. Officials in attendance included: Qatar Airways Country Manager for Australasia, Adam Radwanski, Sydney Swans Chairman Andrew Pridham, Chief Executive and Managing Director Andrew Ireland; Coach John Longmire, Co-captain Kieren Jack and members of the Sydney Swans team.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Akbar al-Baker said: “Qatar Airways has long supported some of the best sports clubs and events in the world. 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.”
Sydney Swans chairman Pridham said, “Qatar Airways is a global brand and leader in international air travel, so we’re delighted to have them join the Sydney Swans as our Official International Airline Partner.
“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. We look forward to welcoming Qatar Airways to our Sydney Swans family and working with them in the years to come.”
As part of the sponsorship deal, Qatar Airways will receive prominent branding at the Sydney Swans’ home games and training ground, and will engage the players in exclusive marketing and promotional activities. Supporters can also look forward to an enhanced match day experience at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the seasons to come.
The Sydney Swans sponsorship marks a new milestone for Qatar Airways in Australia. The airline has doubled its footprint in Australia in 2016, with Sydney and Adelaide joining its global network in March and May respectively, joining Perth and Melbourne on the Qatar Airways map. Australian travellers can now go more places with Qatar Airways than with any other airline serving Australia today.