Indian airlines Jet Airways has reportedly agreed a joint deal with the Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to be the principal sponsors and official airlines of the defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians.
Etihad Airways and equity partner Jet Airways had previously jointly hosted the Manchester City FC football coaching clinics in Mumbai and Delhi in December 2013.
According to Gulf News, officials said that the IPL deal is the Abu Dhabi-based airline's first high-profile sports sponsorship in the region, which underscores its expanding commitment to the Indian market.
The report said that the display of extensive Etihad Airways and Jet Airways branding and messaging beamed across LED pitch-side advertising and on giant screens in the stadium, along with their logos being displayed on the team's shirts and merchandise, will be one of the highlights of the sponsorship agreement.
The report further said that this would occur during the home matches of the Mumbai Indians, including the tournament's first game which will be played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on April 16 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Etihad Airways sponsorship portfolio includes Manchester City, Manchester and Melbourne's Etihad stadiums, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; Harlequins Rugby Club, GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship and the Major League Soccer in the US, the report added.