Bangkok--17 Sep--Total Quality PR Etihad Airways, The National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, which operates highly popular twice daily flights from Bangkok to Abu Dhabi and onwards to 45 destinations around the globe, 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, Jos? Mourinho. Mr 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. Mr 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. Photo caption: 1. Etihad Airways has signed a three-year deal to be a Platinum Sponsor and Official International Airline Partner of Chelsea FC. The ‘seven figure’ deal was announced at a press conference attended by Etihad Airways’ chief executive, James Hogan, Chelsea chief executive, Peter Kenyon and Chelsea manager, Jos? Mourinho. 2. Chelsea’s players celebrate the launch of the club’s new partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates with two Arabian Falcons. About Etihad Airways Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to 45 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. Etihad flies twice daily from its Abu Dhabi home base to London Heathrow and daily to Manchester. About Chelsea: Chelsea has been the most successful club in English football during the last three seasons winning six trophies including two Premiership titles, two Carling Cups and the FA Cup. Chelsea’s two Official Premium Sponsors are Samsung and adidas. Chelsea currently has 5 Platinum Sponsors including Etihad; Heineken; viagogo; Thomas Cook and Sky. For further details: contact Communications and Public Affairs Director Simon Greenberg on +44 207 958 2885 or Head of Media Simon Taylor on +44 7771 825567 or visit www.chelseafc.com For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications: Tel: 02 253 0099 or visit www.etihadairways.com For more information as well as pictures, please contact: Tom Van Blarcom / Ruthaiwan Tanwongwan Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd Tel. 02 260 5820 Fax 02 260 5847 — 8 E-mail :