Saudia partner with Newcastle United

Earlier this week, Saudia announced a new partnership with Newcastle United Football Club (NUFC), becoming the team’s official aviation partner. The long-term deal was concluded after the airline flew the team to Riyadh for warm-weather training and matches against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal Football Club during the 2022/2023 season.

Thanks to this partnership, the Saudi flag carrier said that several soccer fans will be able to experience its services. “World class service” Through our ever-growing network. Fans will also reportedly have the opportunity to enjoy hospitality experiences, match tickets, and the chance to win prizes and merchandise.

special partnership

Khaled Tash, Saudia’s group chief marketing officer, spoke about the newly announced partnership on Thursday.

“At Saudia, we always strive to create meaningful connections across boundaries and our partnership with Newcastle United is in line with this vision. , and as a club with a passionate fan base that resonates with our own ideals. The opportunity to connect with the Newcastle United fan base is a source of great excitement.”

Tash also said that he is excited for Saudia to bond with all NUFC fans and bring them closer to their career, their values ​​and their home country. The deal appears to have come at the right time as the airline’s route network continues to grow with premium services and Saudia is focused on attracting new customers.

“With our expanding route network and premium products, we hope to reach new audiences introducing Saudia to British nationals, while also leveraging the multiple leisure and business offerings that Saudia offers through its hyper-connected global network. There is also increased awareness of the travel destination.” Tash explained.

“It’s been very well received.”

For NUFC, this partnership represents the team’s progress in its relationship with airlines. The team was reportedly impressed by Saudia during a round trip to the Middle East last year, and according to NUFC Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone, the experience the team gained was: It is said that “activated” partnership during last season.

“The activation of the Saudia partnership has been extremely well-received by our growing local and global fan base, with both parties achieving incredible digital results.” Silverstone said. “Our aim is to grow Newcastle United globally and become the most popular Premier League club in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world.”

Newcastle United were acquired by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), in 2021, marking a rapid turnaround in their sporting fortunes. The Tyneside side currently compete in Europe’s top competition, the UEFA Champions League, and have benefited from significant financial investment on and off the field over the past two years.

In line with Vision 2030

Silverstone is reportedly hoping Saudia will introduce new markets to NUFC as the team wants to strengthen its connection with fans. The airline is focused on attracting more travelers to the Middle East through its broader initiative, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which includes 250 destinations connecting 29 airports and two global long-haul routes. The airline has an ambitious growth goal of accommodating 330 million passengers a year through the airline. connection hub.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flight

“We are very excited about the journey ahead, the challenge and opportunity to support Saudia as we look to expand our route network and reach new audiences through the significant global visibility that Newcastle United can offer. I’m enjoying it.” Silverstone concluded:

According to the airline, Saudia flies thousands of passengers to their home countries from more than 100 destinations around the world via its state-of-the-art hub at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport.

What do you think about the new partnership between Saudia and Newcastle United? Let us know in the comments.