One of the leading sports sponsors, Qatar Airways, enters India with a multi-year sponsorship deal with Indian Premier League team Royal Challengers Bangalore. The airline has also launched attractive travel packages for RCB fans.

Qatar Airways has announced its latest partnership in the world of sports, as it strikes a deal with club cricket giants, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), becoming the Indian Premier League (IPL) team’s ‘Official Front of Jersey Partner’.

According to a press statement issued by Qatar Airways, the Indian Premier 2023 season will take place between March 31–May 28, with the Bengaluru based cricket team playing their opening match on April 2 against the Mumbai Indians.  In the presence of 40,000 fans, RCB’s home arena, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, hosted a special ‘Unboxing Event’ that featured cricket legends, celebrities, team officials and cricket superstars like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis and Glen Maxwell. The statement adds that RCB fans watched their favourite team train in an entertaining atmosphere, after which the Qatar Airways cabin crew greeted the team during a special jersey unveiling ceremony.

The statement adds that the airline’s leisure division, Qatar Airways Holidays, is exclusively launching all-inclusive travel packages, allowing cricket fans to attend an IPL match at the bespoke Qatar Airways hospitality lounge at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In addition, the packages will enable fans to partake in exclusive experiences such as viewing practice sessions, signed memorabilia, player meet and greet, photo opportunity with Virat Kholi, and more. The Ultimate RCB Fan packages include return flights with Qatar Airways, premium hotel options, IPL tickets and exciting experiences and are available on the website of the airline.

‘We embark on a new journey with the addition of the Royal Challengers Bangalore to our extensive sports portfolio. The team has a passionate fanbase and a well-represented list of cricket legends that have played for the team. Cricket is a global game with a world-wide audience and is a powerful means of uniting people of different backgrounds. From start to end, our RCB packages will take the fan experience to the next level with a seamless journey to witness world-class cricket and entertainment,” says Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive.

“Qatar Airways regards India as an important market where we operate non-stop flights from 13 Indian cities. We are excited to partner with RCB over the next three years in what we trust will be a successful alliance,’’ Al Baker adds.

“We are thrilled at the potential of the RCB-Qatar Airways partnership. The synergies between both brands serve as a robust platform to build a very strong marketing association over the next three years and beyond. Qatar Airways has a strong demonstrative history of activating world class sports marketing partnerships and we hope the RCB partnership is just as successful. The partnership and its activation will be a benchmark in the Indian sports ecosystem and adds to the aspiration of RCB on its pathway to becoming a global cricketing powerhouse and a lifestyle brand,” says Chairman of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chief Commercial Officer of Diageo India, Prathmesh Mishra.

The “Unboxing Event” paved the way for several entertainment activities, featuring musical performances from various acts, including international artist – Jason Derulo, who performed live at the stadium. In addition, cricket legends A B de Villiers and Chris Gayle’s jerseys were officially retired by the team as a mark of honour to induct them into the club’s hall of fame.

The airline says that Qatar Airways as a brand is committed to supporting global sports, helping fans travel to their favourite events wherever they may be. The airline is a leading global football supporter, with partnerships including FIFA, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Bayern and Concacaf. Additionally, Qatar Airways is the Official Airline of Formula 1, the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Series, United Rugby Championship (URC), Global Kitesports Association and multiple other disciplines including equestrianism, padel, squash and tennis.

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.