Qatar Airways Partners with UEFA Champions League

Qatar Airways has announced a landmark partnership with UEFA, becoming the official airline partner of the UEFA Champions League in an agreement that extends until 2030. This collaboration, revealed in a press release on September 19, 2024, aims to strengthen Qatar Airways’ presence in the European market.

Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with the UEFA Champions League not only enhances our connection with Europe but also aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering unity and celebrating excellence.” He further emphasized that this partnership underscores the airline’s commitment to connecting people globally through its extensive network of over 170 destinations.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin also commented on the partnership, noting that “Qatar Airways and UEFA are united in their passion for sports and global business excellence.” This agreement not only highlights Qatar Airways’ growing influence in the sports sponsorship arena but also cements its position as a key player in international football.

To commemorate this significant announcement, Qatar Airways launched a special campaign video featuring Brazilian football legend Ricardo Kaka. In the video, Kaka plays the role of a pilot making an announcement to passengers, joined by English football icon Rio Ferdinand and renowned sports journalist Fabrizio Romano. This engaging content aims to resonate with football fans and showcase the airline’s commitment to the sport.

The sponsorship deal extends beyond the Champions League to include rights for the UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Youth League, and UEFA Futsal Champions League. Additionally, it encompasses sponsorship rights for UEFA men’s national team competitions, including UEFA EURO 2020 and UEFA EURO 2024. This broad range of sponsorships positions Qatar Airways at the forefront of both national and club football.

Qatar Airways has a strong history of partnerships in the sports sector, already collaborating with prestigious organizations such as FIFA, UEFA, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This latest deal reinforces its commitment to sports and aligns with its strategy to engage with a global audience through high-profile events.

Currently, Qatar Airways operates flights to over 50 European destinations from its hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, further enhancing its connectivity to key markets in Europe. This partnership with UEFA not only expands its reach within Europe but also enhances the airline’s visibility among football fans worldwide.

As Qatar Airways embarks on this exciting partnership with UEFA, the airline aims to leverage the popularity of the Champions League and other tournaments to create unique experiences for its passengers and strengthen its brand identity in the competitive airline industry.

In summary, Qatar Airways’ role as the official airline partner of the UEFA Champions League represents a strategic move to solidify its presence in Europe while promoting the values of unity and excellence in sports. This partnership is poised to elevate the airline’s profile and connect with millions of football fans across the globe.