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Aeroflot signs sponsorship contract with Manchester United

Aeroflot will provide to Man Utd services in organization and strategic consulting, particularly over the transportation of the team and representatives of the FC

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, July 8 (Itar-Tass) - Aeroflot became the official air carrier of the English Premier League’s soccer club Manchester United, the Aeroflot press service reported in Manchester on Monday at a festive ceremony, which was held at the Old Trafford Stadium, which is a home arena for this English football club. Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Savelyev, Group Managing Director of Manchester United Richard Arnold and Manchester United Manager David Moyes and the Manchester United squad attended the ceremony.

The long-term contract entered into force on July 1, 2013. As an official air carrier Aeroflot will provide to Manchester United the services in organization and strategic consulting, particularly over the transportation of the team and representatives of the football club. Meanwhile, as long as it is expedient Aeroflot will provide charter flights for Manchester United by long-haul airliners with the business class service. The Manchester United branded airplane will be introduced in the Aeroflot fleet.

The Aeroflot press service quoted Manchester United’s Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold, as saying: "Manchester United and Aeroflot share many of the same values and we are pleased to be welcoming such a like-minded company to our family of sponsors. Like the Club, Aeroflot demonstrates team work, quality and a pride in its heritage, whilst still embracing new technologies and innovations. They have developed to become Russia’s leading airline which is demonstrated by the number of awards they have received.

«Today’s announcement marks the Club’s first commercial venture in Russia, an expanding market we are keen to explore further. The Club has close to 18 million followers in Russia, demonstrating the partnerships potential audience in the country.

«Aeroflot is celebrating its 90th birthday this year, but has already impressed us with its youthful energy as one of the youngest fleets in Europe. We look forward to developing a meaningful partnership with them, and reaching fans in innovative and rewarding ways.»

The value the sponsorship contract is not disclosed, but in the spring of 2013 the British press reported the contract value is 100 million pounds. The Turkish air company Turkish Airlines has been the official air carrier of Manchester United before.

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