Emirates Extend Sponsorship of NZ America’s Cup Team

A renewal has been agreed which will see Emirates Airline continue its support of Team New Zealand as they challenge for a place in the next America’s Cup, allergist sailing’s most prestigious event.

The Dubai-based airline, already the main sponsor of the team, has announced it will be extending its deal through until the next regatta in 2013, with Team New Zealand hoping to compete as challengers in the 34th edition of the series.

Having first agreed terms in 2004, the new agreement will see Emirates take up its tenth year as a sponsor of the Antipodean team.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of the Emirates Group, said: “The decision underlines our commitment to New Zealand at a time when the country is demonstrating its own strengths and resilience in the face of adversity.

“Whether it be the America’s Cup, the MedCup or the Louis Vuitton Trophy series, Emirates Team New Zealand has shown the fighting spirit and inspiration for which the country is renowned. We are very pleased to continue our support of Emirates Team New Zealand.”

Emirates’ renewed support of Team New Zealand sees the company join fellow long-standing sponsors Toyota and Omega, who have backed the team for 20 and 18 years respectively.

Grant Dalton, managing director of Team New Zealand, added: “We have made considerable progress because the Emirates Team New Zealand brand is an international leader that is well recognised in the sport. Emirates Airline has been with the team since 2004 and their decision to stay with us is important. We are fortunate to have such loyal and committed sponsors.”