In a landmark move signifying the growing prominence of football in India, Etihad Airways has entered into a multi-year agreement to become the Official Front of Shirt Sponsor for Mumbai City FC, starting with the 2024-25 season. This partnership underscores Etihad’s unwavering commitment to the Indian market and highlights Mumbai City FC’s stature as a leading sports team in the country, boasting an impressive track record of two Indian Super League titles and two Indian Super League Cups.
This historic deal, setting a new benchmark in Indian football for its duration, also commemorates Etihad’s 20-year anniversary of operating flights to India. From the upcoming season, the Etihad Airways logo will be proudly displayed on the front of Mumbai City FC’s first and youth team match shirts, as well as their training kits. This partnership not only strengthens the longstanding ties between the two organizations’ home countries but also reflects their shared dedication to teamwork and pursuit of excellence.
Both Etihad Airways and Mumbai City FC are dedicated to uniting people and fostering aspirations. Kandarp Chandra, CEO of Mumbai City FC, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are incredibly happy to bring Etihad on board as our Official Front of Shirt Sponsor. Their endorsement is a testament to the brand of football Mumbai City plays – one that is committed to performance and the pursuit of excellence on and off the field. Both Etihad and Mumbai City are proud to represent resilient global cities that balance tradition with modernity.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, echoed this sentiment: “We strive to enrich our presence in the Indian market through relevant and meaningful partnerships, and we’re thrilled to welcome Mumbai City FC to the Etihad family. India continues to be a strategically important market for Etihad and we remain committed to serving the Indian community with convenient connections from 11 destinations across India to the Middle East, Europe and North America.”
To further solidify its commitment to India, Etihad Airways will be deploying its A380 aircraft on the Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route starting September 1st. This iconic superjumbo will be operational for the next four months, offering passengers a premium flying experience. Etihad currently connects to 11 destinations across India, including four daily flights to Mumbai, providing seamless connections to Abu Dhabi and beyond. In total, Etihad operates a robust schedule of 175 flights per week between Abu Dhabi and India.
“Through our partnership with Mumbai City FC, we hope to bring joy to the football-loving community across Mumbai,” added Neves, highlighting the shared vision of uniting fans through the power of sports. This partnership signifies a pivotal moment in the landscape of Indian football, positioning Etihad Airways as a major player in the country’s growing sporting scene.
