Qatar Airways will sponsor the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix, which is scheduled for October 6 to 8 at Lusail International Circuit. The airline recently showcased its Formula 1 livery on a Boeing 777 aircraft to get passengers excited about the upcoming race.
Qatar Airways Holidays, the airline's leisure division that offers travel packages, offers passengers access to Formula 1 races through its Ultimate F1 Fan package. The package provides access to multiple races throughout the 2023 season, which includes the Qatar Grand Prix. A variety of amenities are made available through the package to provide passengers with an immersive race experience. These benefits consist of return flights, hotel accommodation, and a wide range of tickets that include the F1 Paddock Club experience.
His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, said: "The months of October and November will deliver a collection of world-class automotive activities dedicated to fans around the world. As the Official Global Airline Partner of Formula 1, we are honoured to host international visitors to Qatar; once again delivering our unparalleled hospitality and bringing the world closer together through sport."
Qatar Airways' partnership with Formula 1 includes more than just branded livery, sponsorship of the Qatar Grand Prix, and the airline's logo appearing at race circuits. From September 20 to October 10, passengers on select flights will receive branded menus with themed meals. A variety of Formula 1-themed desserts will be provided for passengers in business and economy class on these flights.
In addition to race tickets, Qatar Airways' Ultimate F1 Fan Package offers experiences that no other airline provides for Formula 1 fans. These experiences include Pit Lane walks, a guided track tour, and the opportunity to meet Formula 1 drivers themselves. Furthermore, fans will have access to the Geneva International Motor Show that will take place in Doha from October 5 to 14. The package has been designed to appeal to motorsports and car enthusiasts.
Formula 1 is not the only sport Qatar Airways will sponsor this month. The airline will sponsor a rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand, scheduled for August 25. The match between South Africa's Springboks and New Zealand's All Blacks is part of one of rugby's most notable rivalries. Both teams will play each other at Twickenham Stadium in London for a chance to win the Qatar Airways Cup trophy.
The deal involves Qatar Airways being the Title Sponsor, Naming Rights Partner, and broadcast partner for coverage on Sky Sports in the UK. Rugby fans from New Zealand and South Africa can attend the match through flights on Qatar Airways from their respective countries. From New Zealand, the airline offers flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha with a stopover at Adelaide Airport (ADL). Meanwhile, passengers from South Africa can fly to Doha from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban, and O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.
Passengers can take a nonstop flight on Qatar Airways to Gatwick Airport (LGW) or Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London once they arrive in Doha. Although there are ways to get from New Zealand and South Africa to London on other airlines, the goal of this initiative is to encourage passengers to take Qatar Airways flights.
Al Baker said: "Qatar Airways is honoured to be the Title Sponsor and Naming Rights Partner for this match at Twickenham Stadium, hosting one of the greatest rivalries in competitive sports history. The South Africa and New Zealand teams are giants in the world of rugby and we are excited to be part of this journey, while uniting the fans before the start of [the World Cup]."
This will be the first time in eight years that the Springboks and All Blacks meet at Twickenham Stadium. The most recent game between the two teams took place in Auckland, with the All Blacks beating the Springboks 35-20.
Both initiatives highlight Qatar Airways' presence in the global sports industry. The airline sponsors brands across motorsports, football, triathlon, rugby, Australian football, basketball, cricket, equestrian, squash, and tennis.
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