- Saturday, July 27, 2024
By: Shubham Ghosh
ETIHAD Airways has taken flight as the official sponsor of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, the airline announced this week.
In an unveiling event in Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu which is also CSK’s home ground, team officials and players of CSK joined cabin crew of the UAE’s national airline on stage wearing their new jerseys displaying Etihad’s logo on the back. The occasion saw the presence of 2,000 fans.
The partnership also comes on the heels of the airline announcing Indian actress Katrina Kaif as its brand ambassador. Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the captain of CSK, the reigning IPL champions.
Arik De, chief revenue officer at Etihad Airways, said, “Today marks the start of an extraordinary journey as we welcome the Chennai Super Kings to our sports portfolio. Cricket’s global resonance unites diverse communities, reflecting the shared values of Etihad and Chennai Super Kings. Our collaboration goes beyond sponsorship; it’s a celebration of a shared ethos, a testament to the collective spirit of Etihad and the Chennai Super Kings.
We’re taking flight as official sponsor of Chennai Super Kings! Bats to the ground, eyes to the sky – this journey has only just begun! ?✈️ @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/YkDMhL3WOH
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) February 8, 2024
“Cricket in India is truly incredible and the Chennai Super Kings fans really showcase exactly what it means to love and have true passion for the game in this incredible country. For Etihad, we believe in connecting with our travellers through shared interests, and like the ‘Yellow Army’ we really believe in this team. As we embark on this thrilling journey, we anticipate not only creating unforgettable moments for fans and travellers but also forging a powerful connection that transcends boundaries and elevates the spirit of the game to new heights.”
We are back in #Yellove with a new collaboration with @etihad ! Are you ready, Superfans? ??? #WhistleParakkattum pic.twitter.com/WCB0CeHDJX
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 8, 2024
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said: “In Etihad Airways we have a partner that not only shares ours values, commitment to excellence and passion for success but also brings association benefits that are global in nature for our brand. This collaboration goes beyond the boundaries of a traditional sponsorship – it’s about creating an extraordinary experience for our fans and setting new standards in sports partnerships.
“The Etihad – Chennai Super Kings partnership promises to deliver a series of exciting initiatives, engaging activations, and unique fan experiences throughout the cricketing season. Stay tuned as we embark on a journey to redefine the dynamics of sports sponsorships and leave an indelible mark on the world stage.”
Etihad operates 165 weekly flights to 10 Indian cities, connecting Indian passengers to more than 70 destinations worldwide. Recently the airline launched two new routes to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram in the southern Indian state of Kerala, besides increasing Mumbai and Delhi frequencies from two flights to four flights daily.
