Sunderland AFC announces renewal of South African Airways partner deal

Sunderland AFC and South African Airways have announced that their partnership is to continue into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season.

The partnership will see South African Airways, Africa’s airline continue as the club’s Official African Airline partner. Through the global reach of the Barclays Premier League, Sunderland AFC will help to promote the airline in over 200 countries.

A cumulative audience of a 4.2 billion makes the Barclays Premier League the most watched sporting league in the world and provides the perfect platform for South African Airways to engage with a worldwide audience.

The carrier will also continue to support Sunderland AFC on all aspects of its travel throughout the continent which it holds a strong relationship with.

The partnership between SAFC and South African Airways will see the club further showcased throughout the airline’s extensive flight network.

Speaking about the partnership, Sunderland AFC’s commercial director Gary Hutchinson said: “We enjoyed a fantastic first year with South African Airways and are delighted to continue our partnership. We are increasing our international activity and presence across Africa and beyond and this partnership provides the perfect platform for us to build on that.”

South African Airways UK general manager, Gary Kershaw, said “We were delighted to support Sunderland AFC’s football and community development work across Africa in the last 12 months.

“The new 2014-15 Barclays Premier League season is set to be an even more exciting prospect and we look forward to the partnership continuing to drive further brand and commercial synergies”.