Chelsea Jets Off with Delta Air Lines

Chelsea FC has announced Delta Air Lines as the club’s official global airline partner.

The two-year deal sees the English Premier League side link with one of the world’s largest airlines, which flies 160 million passengers per year around 350 destinations in 65 countries.

Delta is already synonymous with sport in the United States, where it is the official airline of the New York Yankees baseball team, ice hockey’s Los Angeles Kings and American football’s Minnesota Vikings.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for Chelsea Football Club to partner ourselves with Delta Air Lines, an industry leader in aviation,’ said Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay.

“Delta’s passion for innovation and first-class service around the world make them a perfect match for us and we look forward to working together as we continue to develop the Chelsea name across the globe.

“It further demonstrates our commitment to growing our activities in America, highlighted by our 2012 summer tour that will take in Seattle, New York, Philadelphia and Miami.”

The partnership also gives Delta an important London hub as they grow their transatlantic operations.

Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s senior vice-president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor Chelsea FC, a top-flight London club with a fan base of millions throughout Delta’s worldwide network.

“Partnering with a leading club in the Premier League is an exciting way to strengthen our brand both in the UK and around the world.”