Sunderland Reveals South African Airways as Airline Partner
October 3, 2013
Premier League club Sunderland AFC have announced a new partnership with South African Airways.
The partnership sees the carrier, health the largest airline of South Africa, allergy become the club’s Official Southern African Airline Partner.
The carrier will support SAFC on all aspects of its travel throughout Africa as the club continues to strengthen its relationship with the continent and the club will be showcased throughout the airline’s extensive flight network. SAFC is to help promote the airline through the global awareness of the Barclays Premier League.
Sunderland AFC’s Commercial Director Gary Hutchinson commented on the partnership: “We are delighted to welcome South African Airways to the Sunderland family. We are increasing our presence across the African continent and this relationship provides the perfect platform for us to build on the significant work we have already done in the territory.
“We are looking forward to working with South African Airways, who will support the club across a broad range of activities as we continue our global development.”
Gary Kershaw, GM South African Airways UK said “We’re delighted to partner with Sunderland AFC and continue to be impressed by the work of the club across the communities of Africa.
“South African Airways has the largest route network across Southern Africa, which when combined with the continuing strength of SAFC in Africa, and its partnerships, makes for a natural commercial synergy.”
Sunderland’s first team squad will kick off the partnership on Saturday, when they will wear South African Airways branded t-shirts for their pre-match warm up, ahead of the game against Manchester United.
The collaboration further strengthens Sunderland’s links to South Africa, the base for the club’s principal partner Bidvest. SAFC is also the only football club in the world to have joined forces with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.