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Etihad Airways has signed up as principal sponsor of Mumbai Indians, the Mukesh Ambani-backed Indian Premier League team that won the tournament in the sixth season. Videocon D2H is the other principal sponsor of the team. The sponsorship amount could not be ascertained.
This is the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s first sports sponsorship in the region. The sponsorship agreement will include the display of Etihad Airways and Jet Airways branding and messaging beamed across LED pitch-side advertising and on giant screens in the stadium. This will occur during the Mumbai Indians home matches, including the tournament’s first game, to be played in the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. In addition, the two airlines’ logos will be displayed on the team’s jerseys and merchandise. Air India was travel partner of Mumbai Indians two years ago.
Etihad Airways also sponsors Manchester City Football Club, the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Etihad Stadium in Manchester, 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.
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.
