Etihad Airways Renews Sport Australia Hall of Fame Sponsorship

SYDNEY, May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has renewed its sponsorship of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame until June 2015.

The three-year extension of the sponsorship, which commenced in July 2009, will see the airline continue to support Sport Australia Hall of Fame's work to promote outstanding sporting achievement in Australia and inspire future generations.

As the major sponsor of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Etihad Airways will also be the presenting partner of the organisation's Annual Induction and Awards Dinner.

The airline will also provide air travel to young athletes under the age of 21, who have qualified for the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship Mentoring Program, in order to help further overseas training and competition experience.

James Hogan, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "Australia has a proud history of sporting excellence and achievement. Renewing our sponsorship of Sport Australia Hall of Fame allows both organisations to continue promoting their common goals of outstanding performance and achievement, and to recognise and support the next generation of Australian sporting legends.

"We look forward to continuing our work with Sport Australia Hall of Fame, and to finding new and exciting ways to develop the partnership."

John Bertrand AM, Sport Australia Hall of Fame Chairman, said: "The Sport Australia Hall of Fame is the most prestigious sporting institution in Australia. Its members represent 200 years of Australia's sporting excellence. Etihad Airways is one of the great airlines of the world. Put simply, the partnership between the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and Etihad Airways is excellence combined with excellence."

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2011 carried 8.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad serves 86 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and flights to Australia, including flights to Sydney, flights to Brisbane and flights to Sydney from London, with a fleet of 66 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world's largest passenger aircraft. Etihad also owns nearly 30 per cent of airberlin, Europe's sixth largest airline, and 40 per cent of Air Seychelles. For more information, please visit: http://www.etihad.com

PR Contact:
Stephen Mahoney
Etihad Airways
Senior Manager Communications - Australia and Asia
Level 36, Aurora Place
88 Phillip Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
+61-488-125-538
http://www.etihadairways.com