Qatar Airways, the country’s national carrier, has entered into a long-term global partnership with Ironman, the organizer of long-distance triathlons.
Through the deal, announced yesterday (August 21), Qatar Airways is designated the official airline partner of the Ironman Series and half-distance Ironman 70.3 series until the end of the 2025 season.
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The airline will also be the title partner of the Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast, Ironman Maryland, Ironman 70.3 Washington, and Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney events in 2022, while the Qatar Tourism industry body has been named an official partner of Ironman.
Through the partnership, athletes traveling to Ironman or Ironman 70.3 events using Qatar Airways will have access to benefits including promotional fares for themselves and family members, while athletes who have completed an Ironman or an Ironman 70.3 event within the last 12 months will also be eligible for benefits.
It adds to the growing partnership portfolio of Qatar Airways, which includes soccer’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in its home country, major clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich (controversially), and the Concacaf and CONMEBOL regional governing bodies.
The airline also has partnerships in equestrian, kitesurfing, padel, and tennis.
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By GlobalDataIronman, meanwhile, last month (July) brought on board Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast as a global partner.
This year, it has also extended its partnership with cycling clothing manufacturer Santini, entered into a long-term global partnership with recovery and performance company Hyperice, and brought in Intermountain and Supersapiens as title partners of World Championship events.
Akbar Al Baker, group chief executive of Qatar Airways Group and chairman of Qatar Tourism, said: “Our partnership with the Ironman Group is a natural fit for our brand, where human endeavor proves that anything is possible …
“Ironman races are hosted in different cities across the world, making our global network the perfect medium through which to connect endurance sports enthusiasts, athletes, supporters, and officials.”
Andrew Messick, president and chief executive officer of the Ironman Group, added: “Providing our athletes with an unmatched race experience is at the core of what we do, so we’re thrilled to partner with an airline that reflects our customer-centric approach and is committed to the highest standards in everything they do …
“This is the beginning of an exciting partnership for both of us, our athletes, and future athletes and supporters who we hope to welcome at an event in the near future.”
