ETW Staff– Mumbai
Etihad Airways continues to strengthen ties with India and equity partner, Jet Airways, following a new sponsorship deal naming both airlines as principal sponsors and official airlines for the Mumbai Indians cricket team, of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This is the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s first high profile sports sponsorship in the region.
Crowned as champions of the 2013 IPL, the Mumbai Indians will be playing in the Pepsi IPL 2014 Tournament whose first 20 matches will be hosted in the UAE. Along with the Mumbai Indians, seven teams will showcase their cricketing skills in the UAE leg of the tournament which will take place between April 16- 30, 2014 at three different venues; Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
James Hogan, president and chief executive officer, Etihad Airways, said, “As India continues to play an important part in the growth of Etihad Airways, this new sponsorship deal provides an excellent opportunity for us to reinforce our global brand in India, cement our partnership with Jet Airways and forge close and long-lasting relationships with the Indian travelling public, many of whom we know are huge cricket fans.”
“Sport sponsorships form a major part of Etihad’s international marketing strategy. We are delighted to add the Mumbai Indians, to our growing portfolio of global sporting associations,” added Hogan
Etihad Airways sponsorship portfolio includes, Manchester City Football Club, the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Etihad Stadium in Manchester, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Harlequins Rugby Club, GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship, and most recently the Major League Soccer in the US.
Naresh Goyal, chairman, Jet Airways, said, “We are excited to team up with Etihad Airways to sponsor the Mumbai Indians, as they prepare to take part in one of crickets’ most high profile tournaments featuring top cricketers from all over the world. Cricket is a hugely popular sport around the world and especially in India. Sponsoring an all-star cricket team like the Mumbai Indians will surely provide our airlines with fantastic brand exposure on a global level and offer an impressive platform to connect with our customers while at the same time engaging with the community.”
Etihad Airways currently serves a total of 10 Indian cities which includes Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, New Delhi, Trivandrum and recently launched route to Jaipur.
