Exeter Chiefs Renew Sponsorship with Airline Flybe

Exeter Chiefs have announced that Europe’s largest regional airline, Flybe is extending its sponsorship of the team into a third season with the two parties confirming a new and improved agreement.

Having first come on board with the Aviva Premiership club in 2010 following its promotion into English rugby’s top flight for the first time, Flybe’s new deal sees the Exeter-based airline continue to take extensive branding in and around the club’s Sandy Park Stadium, Corporate Hospitality area, as well as naming rights on match-days for the Gold Card Suite, which plays host to a large percentage of the club’s corporate dining guests.

Also included in the contract is Flybe’s pledge to again use the services of Chiefs’ Head Coach, Rob Baxter, in an ambassadorial role, which will see him again go out into the community to help deliver coaching sessions at local schools.

John Wood, Head of Corporate at Exeter Rugby Club, has welcomed the sponsorship extension, stating: “This partnership brings together two highly successful organisations with a really strong cultural and strategic fit. Flybe has been a sponsor of Exeter Chiefs ever since we moved into the Premiership and we are delighted it has extended its partnership with us, especially given the challenges facing the aviation industry at the present time. 

“Flybe’s representatives clearly believes rugby plays a positive and beneficial role in relationship to its brand positioning and also that increased brand visibility within the local business and community sectors is crucial to its commitment in always contributing economically to the regions in which it operates also cementing its role championing the city’s major sporting asset.”

Andrew Strong, Flybe UK MD added: “We are privileged to have had the opportunity to share the extraordinary success of the Chiefs over the past two years and are pleased to continue supporting them by extending our sponsorship for a further year and on their journey into Europe with the Heineken Cup.

“Flybe always goes to great lengths to ensure that the sponsorship deals we secure incorporate opportunities for the support of community activities and the development of grassroots’ sport. To this end, the provision of rugby coaching into local Exeter schools forms an integral part of this sponsorship extension and we look forward to following the development of some of the young stars of the future.”