Emirates Airline Joins The AFC Commercial Family

Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, has announced that it is to become the new official partner of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The AFC President, Mohamed bin Hammam and Mr. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Commercial Operations Director of Emirates Airline, were among those attending the official signing ceremony, held at the Ritz Carlton Doha on 30th October, the day before the final match of the AFC U-20 Championship, Qatar 2002.

In an agreement that will run until 2005, Emirates Airline will enjoy sponsorship benefits at Asia’s premier football events including the newly formed AFC Champions League, and the Asian Cup, which will be held in China in 2004. Emirates will feature on all AFC publicity materials, including perimeter boards in  stadiums throughout Asia, and a ticketing facility for all the official AFC tournaments.

The Asian Football Confederation comprises of 44 national associations and is the largest and most diverse of FIFA’s six governing bodies. Following the outstanding success of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Asian football’s popularity has never been higher, and with Emirates Airline, Asian football fans can soon be flying high too.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Commercial Operations Director said: “We are delighted to make our commitment to Asian football. It is a property that can help us gain media awareness in key markets in Asia, and as part of the AFC commercial family, we can play a crucial role in the ever-developing importance of Asian football on the world stage. This agreement will help cement our now established and growing position throughout Asia and the world”.

Seamus O’Brien, Chairman of the AFC’s marketing partner, AFC Marketing Limited, said: “We welcome Emirates Airlines to join our group of exclusive sponsors. We are confident that a prestigious and pervasive company like Emirates can assist us in achieving AFC’s goals to further increase the stature of the Asian game, and we are committed to building a successful and long term partnership with our new Official Sponsor.”

Mr. Al Ghaith cited the example of Emirates sponsorship of Chelsea Football Club as a major move in sports sponsorship, which has received global recognition and increased awareness of the Emirates brand through the world.

In Singapore, Emirates sponsors Home United, one of the top S-league football clubs, and is also a long-time sponsor of the Emirates Singapore Derby - one of the most attractive events in the local horseracing calendar.

Emirates is also a keen supporter of major sporting events including the Dubai Rugby 7s and the PGA European Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic. The award-wining airline also supports other horse races worldwide including The Melbourne Cup Carnival, and the richest race in the world, the Dubai Desert Classic.

As well as its ground breaking sport sponsorships, Emirates is well known for taking the lead in the aviation world, becoming the first airline to sign up for the new A380 super-jumbo.

The re-developed AFC commercial program offers a group of very exclusive Partners a unique communications platform delivering volume television audiences and product exclusivity. The AFC program, while focusing on Pan-Asia, also enjoys world-wide exposure and combines the proven, traditional elements of Event Sponsorship with a centralized market program to assist Official Sponsors in delivering their own brand and business objectives.