Aer Lingus Announces Official Airline Sponsorship of the Ulster Rugby Club for the Next Years

                                                   
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.

As part of the new relationship, Aer Lingus 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: "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 and complements our other community support such as sponsorship of the Dublin GAA team and of the Galway Hurlers supporters club.

"We look forward to welcoming Ulster's players, support team and fans on board our flights over the coming season and future years."

Phillip Polack, Ulster Rugby Business Development Director said: "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."

Aer Lingus starts routes from George Best Belfast City Airport to London Gatwick and London Heathrow Sunday 28th October.

Irish Aviation Research Institute © 15th September 2012 All Rights Reserved.

Qantas Airways: The Dublin Connection ©

Image: Qantas 

                                                   
On 7th September Qantas Airways submitted to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCA) public discloure documents on the proposed co-ordination agreement between Emirates Airlines and Qantas Airways, with the aim of creating a global air service operation that better connects Australia, New Zealand to Asia, Africa, the Middle East , the United Kingdom and Europe.

The submissions documents totalled about 220 pages in all included a lot of information on the other competing carriers.

Qantas Airways passengers as a result of the proposed conduct will be able to travel to most EU Destinations with an average travel time of 24 hours, including a 3 hour connection at Emirates Airlines Dubai Hub, thus significant reducing travel time.

Dublin is noted as one of a long-list of points which will get one-stop service to/from major Australian cities from the proposed agreement.  The existing Etihad Airways service is noted along with its extended code-sharing with Aer Lingus. Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia are noted as having code-share arrangements to Dublin and Virgin Atlantic a partnership arrangement.

Irish Aviation Research Institute © 15th September 2012 All Rights Reserved.