Etihad Airways inks Irish sports sponsorship deal

Etihad Airways has announced it had forged a new, long-term multi-million dollar partnership with Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association. The deal includes sponsoring GAA’s Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship for the next five years. Etihad Airways will also become the naming rights sponsor of the new Skyline landmark tourist attraction at Croke Park, which will open in June, the Abu Dhabi airline said in a statement. The 14-storey high Etihad Airways Skyline at Croke Park involves a roof top tour of the stadium and includes spectacular views of Dublin from five different viewing platforms atop three stands, as well as a pitch-viewing cabin. Etihad said the partnership was a \"further dramatic demonstration of its commitment to Ireland\" since launching flights to Dublin in July 2007. James Hogan, Etihad president and CEO, said: “I am delighted that we are strengthening our relationship with the GAA and extending a partnership that has worked so well for both organisations. “Hurling is one of the world’s most remarkable sports and it epitomises the passion of the Irish people who have also been great supporters of Etihad Airways. “This strategic partnership is an example of the way we try to embed ourselves into the local culture of our destination markets and work with the local community.” Christy Cooney, president of the GAA, added: “We are delighted to confirm Etihad Airways’ extension to their sponsorship of our GAA Hurling Championship and look forward to working in partnership with them for at least five more years... we look forward to many more years in fruitful partnership with this leading international brand.” Late last year Etihad Airways launched a major recruitment drive in Ireland, hiring 59 new Irish employees to support its growth around the world. The airline now has 108 Irish staff employed across its global network, 22 of whom are based in Dublin. This number is expected to grow in the coming months and more company recruitment fairs are planned for April and July in both Dublin and Cork. Etihad Airways has flown more than 753,000 passengers between Abu Dhabi and Dublin over the last five years and currently operates 10 flights a week between the two capital cities.