Emirates and AC Milan: A Long-Standing Partnership in the World of Football Sponsorship

Emirates and AC Milan first joined forces in 2007, marking the beginning of a strategic and successful relationship in the world of sports sponsorship. By 2010, the airline became the official title sponsor of the Italian football club, a partnership that would last for several years, making Emirates one of the most visible and integral supporters of the team. This collaboration has involved a range of unique sponsorship activations, including exclusive team kit branding and special events for fans.

Key Milestones in the Partnership

• 2007-2010: Emirates became the main sponsor of AC Milan, marking the beginning of a significant partnership. It also helped promote the club’s training sessions, which included exclusive events such as the team’s January 2008 training session in Dubai.
• 2010-2015: Emirates cemented its role as the official title sponsor, securing a five-year agreement that saw the airline’s logo on the front of the team’s shirts. This period also saw the introduction of large-scale sponsorship initiatives, including a specially branded Emirates Airbus A380 showcasing AC Milan players.

• 2015-2020: The partnership continued, with Emirates branding appearing on the AC Milan kits and across San Siro Stadium. This phase of collaboration also saw the introduction of the Emirates Lounge in the stadium and more extensive marketing rights.
• 2020-2023: Emirates and AC Milan renewed their sponsorship, making the relationship even more significant in the Middle East. The renewed deal expanded to include branding at the youth level across AC Milan’s global academies, further emphasizing the airline’s role in promoting football worldwide.

Emirates A380 with AC Milan Branding

Emirates has made waves with its innovative marketing initiatives. One of the standout moments was the release of a special AC Milan-themed Emirates A380, featuring large decals of players like Riccardo Montolivo and Mario Balotelli. This aircraft, which flew to destinations worldwide, helped further cement the connection between Emirates and the global fanbase of AC Milan.

The Dubai Football Challenge

Another exciting event was the Dubai Football Challenge, which saw AC Milan face off against Real Madrid in a thrilling friendly match in December 2014. The match, hosted in Dubai, brought two footballing giants together and attracted over 40,000 fans, showcasing the influence of this sponsorship.

Expanding the Reach in the Middle East

With Emirates being a key airline in the Middle East, the region has become an important focus for AC Milan. The partnership has expanded to include various fan events, with AC Milan visiting Dubai for meet-and-greet events and training camps. The club has taken part in multiple promotional events, including appearances at the iconic Burj Khalifa and desert safaris in Dubai, further enhancing the brand visibility for both Emirates and AC Milan.

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