Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has signed a three-year deal to be a Platinum Sponsor and Official International Airline Partner of Chelsea Football Club.

The ‘seven figure’ deal was announced at a press conference at Chelsea’s new training facility which was attended by Etihad Airways’ chief executive, James Hogan, Chelsea chief executive, Peter Kenyon and Chelsea manager, José Mourinho.

Hogan said: “The partnership with Chelsea marks a new and exciting chapter in the history of Etihad Airways and will provide the airline with terrific exposure to a global audience.

“It also illustrates Etihad’s ambitions to be associated with the best names in sport and therefore we are delighted that the Etihad brand will be seen every week at Stamford Bridge and on Chelsea media and merchandise.”

In addition to the placement of Etihad’s logo and branding at the English Premier League team’s Stamford Bridge stadium in west London, the partnership will see the Abu Dhabi-based airline and Chelsea work together on several projects including potential team tours to the UAE and the Far East.

Kenyon said: “This partnership with Etihad is an exciting one for Chelsea. We have similar aspirations in our respective fields and that made this deal a natural one for both companies. Etihad is quickly establishing itself as a major force in the airline industry and we look forward to working with each other during the next three years.”

Among the highlights of the new partnership will be extensive Etihad branding at Stamford Bridge for Barclays’ Premier League, FA Cup and Carling Cup matches. The airline will also feature regularly in match day programmes and other Chelsea publications. – TradeArabia News Service