Qatar Airways sign up as sponsor of World Cup bid

September 10 – Qatar Airways has been announced as as the official airline of the country’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

The deal will encompass a wide-ranging campaign, including promotions on the in-flight entertainment system as well as the airline’s Oryx magazine and in and around Doha International Airport.

“Qatar Airways’ commitment to quality and hospitality reflects the values our country is proud of,” said Hassan al-Thawadi, chief executive of the Qatar 2022 Bid Committee.

“The rapid expansion of Qatar Airways is a reflection of the rise of Qatar on the world stage, which we hope to take to the next level by bringing the World Cup here in 2022.

“We are proud to announce this partnership with our nation’s best-known and most visible global corporate flag-carrier.

“It is further evidence of the unity in Qatar at both corporate and community levels.”

The sponsorship deal follows on from last month’s announcement of Qatar National Bank as the official bank of the bid.

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar al-Baker said: ”Qatar Airways is very proud to be involved in the historic bid to bring the FIFA World Cup to Doha.

“We at the airline take pride in working with our local partners on initiatives that will raise the profile of the State of Qatar on the global stage.

“As a five-star airline, serving 92 destinations spanning six continents, we are in an enviable position to provide world-class service to all those who will visit Qatar for the games, and our network will expand even further over the next 10 years.”

FIFA’s inspection team, headed by Chilean Football Federationa President Harold Mayne-Nicholls, will touch down in Doha next Tuesday (September 14) to begin their three-day inspection visit.