Russia-based Aeroflot's CEO, Vitaly Saveliev, and Manchester United's (MANU 1.54%) group managing director, Richard Arnold, were at the club's Old Trafford stadium today where they jointly announced a five-year sponsorship agreement making Aeroflot the team's "official carrier."
While Manchester United boasts several endorsement and partnership agreements, today's agreement with Aeroflot marks the team's first foray into Russia, a market with close to 18 million Man U followers, according to Manchester United. As the official carrier of Manchester United, Aeroflot will "provide the English Premier League champions with strategic advice on travel for the team and club representatives," according to the press release. Aeroflot said it will also provide charter services "whenever suitable on its newest long-haul Airbus and Boeing airplanes."
Reuters reports that Aeroflot does not fly to Manchester, but the deal will allow Aeroflot to promote itself on advertising boards at Old Trafford stadium and on the club's website.
In response to the new deal, Manchester United's Arnold commented, "Aeroflot is celebrating its 90th birthday this year, but has already impressed us with its youthful energy. We look forward to developing a meaningful partnership with them and reaching our fans in innovative and rewarding ways." Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
