Dubai: Emirates airline has been named as Expo 2020 Dubai’s official airline partner, according to a statement on Sunday from the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau.
The partnership agreement between Emirates and Expo 2020 Dubai was signed by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, and Reem Al Hashemi, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General Bureau Expo Dubai 2020.
Emirates, which has a network to over 150 destinations, is expected to help Expo 2020 attract 25 million visitors. As Expo 2020’s first Premier Partner, Emirates will also be a licensed ticket reseller.
“Emirates has played an important part in Dubai’s transformation into an international centre for commerce and tourism, and a globally-connected host city for a truly global event like the Expo. The airline has been an early supporter of Dubai’s successful bid to host the Expo, will now partner with Expo 2020 to bring this event to Dubai, and to build a lasting legacy for the UAE and the entire region,” stated Shaikh Ahmad.
Emirates carried over 50 million passengers last year, added Al Hashimy.
The agreement gives exclusive rights and benefits for Emirates and other businesses within the Emirates Group, including branding and marketing rights, the ability to leverage events such as Youth Connect, and the opportunity to have a pavilion at the Expo.
Expo 2020 Dubai and Emirates are also looking at opportunities on the site in the post-event phase to secure a lasting cultural, and economic legacy for the Expo.
Expo 2020 Dubai said that it is developing a number of commercial partnerships with global companies in sectors including aviation, technology, finance, shipping and logistics, telecommunications and travel and tourism.
Expo’s partnership programme will comprise three tiers of partnerships: Premier Partners, Official Partners and Official Providers.
Premier Partners will be offered the highest level of rights and benefits and are currently being discussed. Official Partners and Official Providers will be sought starting from 2017.
