DUBLIN, September 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Ulster Rugby's flying start to the season has been given a turbo charged boost with the signing of a major new sponsorship deal with Aer Lingus.

Details of the two-year support package were unveiled at a signing ceremony held at Ravenhill.

As part of the new relationship, Aer Lingus will provide Ulster Rugby with air travel as well as supporting the development of travel and accommodation packages for Ulster supporters to away matches.

Declan Kearney, Aer Lingus Director of Communications said the link-up with Ulster Rugby represented a significant sporting first for the company: "As the official airline of Ulster Rugby we are absolutely delighted to have the responsibility of providing transport from George Best Belfast City Airport and Dublin Airport for the playing squad, the support team and fans, throughout our extensive UK and European network.

"The broadening of our sponsorship horizons through this exciting new Ulster Rugby deal reflects a continued commitment by Aer Lingus to the local community and complements our other community support such as sponsorship of the Dublin GAA team and of the Galway Hurlers supporters club.

"We look forward to welcoming Ulster's players, support team and fans on board our flights over the coming season and future years."

Phillip Polack, Ulster Rugby Business Development Director said: "The reputation of Aer Lingus as a proactive organisation fits superbly with our ambitions at Ulster Rugby and we look forward to cementing a long-lasting partnership."

Aer Lingus will start flying from George Best Belfast City Airport on Sunday 28th October 2012.

About Aer Lingus:

Aer Lingus was founded by the Irish Government in April 1936 to provide air services to/from Ireland. The first flight, from Dublin to Bristol, took place on May 27th 1936.

Aer Lingus' low-cost, low fares model is centered on maintaining low unit cost, offering one way fares, maintaining effective fleet utilisation and developing the Aer Lingus brand. Consistent with this low-cost model, Aer Lingus' primary distribution channel is its website aerlingus.com where customers can find a number of cheap flight deals, USA travel deals, cheap European flights and cheap flights to Dublin, as well as take advantage of the Aer Lingus check in app and purchase travel vouchers.

Aer Lingus provides a cargo transportation service on some of its scheduled passenger routes, including flights to the USA and Europe. Aer Lingus provides mail transportation services between Ireland and the United Kingdom.

PR Contact:
Declan Kearney
Aer Lingus Corporate Communications
Aer Lingus Head Office
Dublin Airport
Co. Dublin
Ireland
PA 06-39
+353-86-6172702
http://www.aerlingus.com

SOURCE Aer Lingus