Qatar’s national carrier Qatar Airways has made its first move into the AFL Aussie rules football market by partnering with the Sydney Swans.
Qatar Airways three-year agreement with the Swans names it as the club’s international airline partner. The deal will cover the 2017 to 2019 seasons.
Under the agreement, Qatar Airways will receive extensive advertising exposure during Swans home games and training sessions. Special offers and giveaways will also be organised for supporters.
“Qatar Airways has long supported some of the best sports clubs and events in the world,” the airline’s chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said. “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.”
Sydney Swans is currently top of the AFL table after 21 games of the 2016 season. Qatar Airways has doubled its footprint in Australia in 2016, with Sydney and Adelaide added to its global network in March and May respectively, joining Perth and Melbourne.