Emirates becomes First Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2011

Emirates Airline has become the first Worldwide Partner of the Rugby World Cup 2011. Emirates will be the official airline for the Tournament, which will be held for the first time in New Zealand since the inaugural event 1987, a country served by Emirates with 28 flights a week.

Emirates runs 28 flights into New Zealand each week and says it is well positioned to serve the thousands of rugby fans who will travel to the 2011 cup event.

Based on previous events the 2011 Rugby World Cup is likely to bring more than 65,000 international fans, 2,500 international media and 2,500 corporate/VIP guests to New Zealand.

Gary Chapman, Emirates' President Group Services, said, “Building on the success of our relationship with Rugby World Cup 2007, we are excited to make this commitment to the sport of rugby by becoming the first Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2011.

“Emirates has always had a great affinity with rugby through our sponsorships of the Sevens game and the England and Samoan Sevens squads. Emirates is currently building a state of the art rugby venue in Dubai which will host the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, of which Emirates is the Principal Partner. 

“Emirates is one of the leading sponsors of sport around the world and we are now a sponsor of three important world cups, with Rugby World Cup 2011, FIFA World Cup 2010 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. In 2007 Emirates was the main sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand’s challenge in the 32nd America’s Cup.

“Through our expanding network in six continents, Emirates will be able to offer an easy route for rugby fans around the world to travel to New Zealand via Dubai. We are looking forward to working closely with the IRB and the Rugby New Zealand 2011 Tournament Organisers to ensure the success of Rugby World Cup 2011.”

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