Etihad Airways is continuing to support the UAE’s most exciting national and international sports tournaments and fixtures, ensuring the region’s sportsmen, women and fans enjoy the most innovative events.
Etihad Airways’ close alignment to the sporting world is set to continue in 2006 with the airline’s sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship which will see the world’s best golfers such as Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia and John Daly competing in the UAE’s capital.
“Etihad Airways is synonymous with style and innovation, and therefore both new and established guests will see that not only are we providing a world-class airline, but we are also bringing the best sports action to the region,” said Ian Ferguson-Brown, Head of Corporate Communications for Etihad Airways.
Recently Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, has sponsored the historic UAE versus Brazil football match, the GCC Gulf Cup football tournament, Zayed First International Handball Championship, and organized an international exhibition ice hockey match in Canada, between the UAE national team and all-stars from the prestigious NHL (National Hockey League).
The world’s fastest growing airline will also be a lead sponsor for the 13th annual F1 powerboat grand prix in Abu Dhabi on 9 December, where more than 14 different national teams will battle it out to be the fastest boat on the water.
Highlights from 2005 for Etihad include sponsorship of the Zayed First International Handball Championship which saw the region’s best players competing at Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club in October.
To celebrate the launch of the new Toronto route, Etihad Airways hosted an historic ice hockey match in Canada giving the UAE team the opportunity to fly the flag for the Gulf region against an NHL exhibition team – narrowly losing 9-8.
Most recently a UK ladies rugby team wore the Etihad colours when they took part in the Dubai Rugby 7’s. Etihad Guests RFC played magnificently in their tournament debut, losing in the semi-final to the tournament’s eventual winners.
“Etihad Airways is always associated with excellence – whether it’s in sport or culture or leisure activities. For such a new company like Etihad to have delivered all of these fantastic tournaments inside two years clearly demonstrates the airline’s global ambitions,” concluded Ferguson-Brown.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world’s fastest growing airline and flies to 20 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Together with its divisions Etihad Holidays and Etihad Crystal Cargo, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihadairways.com.
