Egypt’s state-owned airline, EGYPTAIR and Spanish football club Barcelona have sealed a three-year global partnership as the club’s exclusive ‘Exclusive Official Airline’ for the men’s football first team, the basketball team and the handball team. 

The club announced the agreement on Wednesday, saying the Egyptian airline had become its official airline partner as part of efforts to expand and improve international travel services for the club, while strengthening its reach to fans and people in the Middle East and Africa.

Barcelona’s Global Sponsorships director, Marc Bruix, described the partnership as a good move for growth, expanding both brands’ reach globally, especially in the Middle East and Africa.

“Connecting FC Barcelona with EGYPTAIR, a benchmark for excellence and history in international aviation, is a natural step to take in our expansion. This sponsorship reinforces our commitment to take the Barça values and passion to our followers in the Middle East and Africa, where we have an amazing fan community,” Mr Bruix said.

President of EgyptAir Holding Company, Captain Ahmed Adel, expressed delight over the deal, describing FC Barcelona as one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world.  

Mr Adel said it also marked a historic milestone since its inception as a means for the company to connect to more football fans around the world.

Mr Adel said, “Sponsoring one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, the current LaLiga and Spanish Super Cup champions, is an unprecedented achievement in the history of our national airline. 

“This collaboration sees the 95-year history of EGYPTAIR dovetail with the global sporting leadership of FC Barcelona, opening new horizons to connect with football fans around the world.”

“Our presence at the signing ceremony is testament to the shared vision of both parties to highlight the role of EGYPTAIR in connecting cultures, civilisations and people, a role that sport has represented throughout history,” he said. 

EGYPTAIR will also become Barcelona’s new front shirt sponsor for its handball side.