Virgin Blue Holdings has taken a mark over Qantas Airways after securing the official airline partnership of the Australian Football League (AFL) from 2011.
Virgin Blue will carry the 17 (soon to be 18) AFL teams, including players, staff and officials across Australia for three years from January 1, 2011.
Chief executive John Borghetti said Virgin Blue had scored a goal in winning the contract with AFL.
"We are very excited to have been chosen as the official airline for the AFL," Mr Borghetti said in a statement on November 18.
"It is a great fit for the Virgin Blue brand and we look forward to welcoming the AFL board, executives, teams and support crews on board."
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the partnership with Virgin Blue would add to the code's push into new territories with the Gold Coast Suns in 2011 and Greater Western Sydney Giants the following year.
"We chose the Virgin Blue Group as not only do they provide an extensive network and great service but they are a great brand fit with the AFL," Mr Demetriou said.
"We are expanding the game and look forward to the AFL, our clubs and supporters partnering with Virgin Blue as football-related travel and tourism, which is estimated at AU$400 million a year, continues to grow."
Earlier on November 18, Qantas Airways Ltd said the airline was no longer a partner with the AFL.
"QF ends AFL partnership," Qantas announced on Twitter on November 18.
"We have a history of supporting all Aussie sports & won't enter into exclusive arrangements with any sporting body."
Virgin Blue will carry the 17 (soon to be 18) AFL teams, including players, staff and officials across Australia for three years from January 1, 2011.
Chief executive John Borghetti said Virgin Blue had scored a goal in winning the contract with AFL.
"We are very excited to have been chosen as the official airline for the AFL," Mr Borghetti said in a statement on November 18.
"It is a great fit for the Virgin Blue brand and we look forward to welcoming the AFL board, executives, teams and support crews on board."
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the partnership with Virgin Blue would add to the code's push into new territories with the Gold Coast Suns in 2011 and Greater Western Sydney Giants the following year.
"We chose the Virgin Blue Group as not only do they provide an extensive network and great service but they are a great brand fit with the AFL," Mr Demetriou said.
"We are expanding the game and look forward to the AFL, our clubs and supporters partnering with Virgin Blue as football-related travel and tourism, which is estimated at AU$400 million a year, continues to grow."
Earlier on November 18, Qantas Airways Ltd said the airline was no longer a partner with the AFL.
"QF ends AFL partnership," Qantas announced on Twitter on November 18.
"We have a history of supporting all Aussie sports & won't enter into exclusive arrangements with any sporting body."
