ULSTER Rugby’s flying start to the season has been given a turbo charged boost with the signing of a major new sponsorship deal with Aer Lingus.
Details of the two-year support package were unveiled at a signing ceremony held at Ravenhill this afternoon.
As part of the new relationship, the airline will provide Ulster Rugby with air travel as well as supporting the development of travel and accommodation packages for Ulster supporters to away matches.
Declan Kearney, Aer Lingus Director of Communications said the link-up with Ulster Rugby represented a significant sporting first for the company.
“We are obviously delighted with being part of the continuing evolution of Ulster Rugby, both on and off the pitch.
“Shane Logan, the Chief Executive of Ulster Rugby and his team have shown great professionalism in helping Aer Lingus bring this deal to reality,” he said.
“As the official airline of Ulster Rugby we are absolutely delighted to have the responsibility of providing transport from George Best Belfast City Airport and Dublin Airport for the playing squad, the support team and fans, throughout our extensive UK and European network.
“The broadening of our sponsorship horizons through this exciting new Ulster Rugby deal reflects a continued commitment by Aer Lingus to the local community.
“Our strategic move to George Best Belfast City Airport this Autumn has already enabled us to concentrate on the needs of the business traveller.
“We look forward to welcoming Ulster’s players, support team and fans on board our flights over the coming season and future years.”
Mr. Kearney pointed out that the newly forged relationship represented an opportunity for the airline to introduce its award-winning customer service experience to the Ravenhill fan base.
He added: “Aer Lingus plans to push the sponsorship by deploying interactive marketing initiatives with the fans at Ulster Rugby fixtures in the RaboDirect PRO12 League season as well as the Heineken Cup campaign.
Phillip Polack, Ulster Rugby Business Development Director said: “We are extremely proud to created a relationship with an international status airline.
“The reputation of Aer Lingus as a proactive organisation fits superbly with our ambitions at Ulster Rugby and we look forward to cementing a long-lasting partnership.
“Certainly we at Ulster Rugby are convinced that Aer Lingus, through its network of value and business routes, will be a vital tool in terms of expanding the positive message we want to get across to the sporting public.
“The new season will inevitably create tremendous excitement and entertainment for local rugby supporters.
“The injection of this new sponsorship package will provide a dynamic platform for Aer Lingus to provide incentives and competitions for its existing and future customers.“
The competitions will include flight giveaways at every home game out of Belfast City Airport to anywhere on the Belfast route network, Declan Kearney of Aer Lingus explained.
He added: “We are also working on a fantastic, money can’t buy final prize package to be won by a lucky Ulster Rugby supporter at the end of the season.”
Aer Lingus will start flying from George Best Belfast City Airport on Sunday 28th October 2012.
Flights to Heathrow and Gatwick for the winter schedule 2012/2013 and Faro and Malaga for the summer schedule 2013 are on sale at aerlingus.com.
Caption 1: Pass master Declan Kearney, Aer Lingus Director of Communications, is helping Ulster Rugby prepare to spin another success story this season after the signing of a new sponsorship deal. The package will see Aer Lingus become the official airline for Ulster Rugby over the next two years. Admiring Declan’s technique are Ulster stars Johann Muller, John Afoa and Jared Payne.
Caption 2: High fliers. Ulster Rugby stars Jared Payne, Johann Muller and John Afoa will be aiming to achieve sky high success this season with the help of Aer Lingus Director of Communications Declan Kearney after the signing of a new sponsorship deal that sees Aer Lingus become the official airline for Ulster Rugby for the next two years.
Caption 3: Kiera May, Aer Lingus Cabin Crew and Declan Kearney Aer Lingus Director of Communications with Ulster Rugby stars Johann Muller, John Afoa and Jared Payne on the pitch at Ravenhill after the signing of a new sponsorship deal that sees Aer Lingus become the official airline for Ulster Rugby for the next two years.
