Baku, March 30, AZERTAC

Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) today announced a partnership that will see the leading airline become an Official Partner to the Games, which take place in Azerbaijan’s capital city between 12 and 22 May.

AZAL is one of Azerbaijan’s flagship brands. It has an excellent reputation both domestically and internationally, received a prestigious "4 Stars" from the leading world-famous British consulting company “Skytrax” during their air transport research.

Its network of 40 destinations across 19 countries also includes many of those taking part in the Games.

AZAL is the latest partner to sign up to the Baku 2017 Commercial Programme, which also includes BP, Red Bull, Milla, Fresco, Microplus and iTicket. In doing so, they will help to grow the brand of the Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games internationally, whilst the support and exposure they will provide, especially at the Heydar Aliyev international airport, will ensure all athletes, fans and officials arriving into Baku for Games are met with a warm welcome.

Speaking about the announcement, Mr. Mike Loynd, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games said: “Our partnership with AZAL is a great fit for both organisations. I believe that we will provide them with an excellent platform to further develop the profile of their brand internationally. Whilst there is no doubt that we will also benefit from their established presence across 40 countries.”

“These are extremely exciting times as we build up to the Opening Ceremony of the Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games. We are very encouraged by the levels of interest from people wanting to buy tickets. The announcement of AZAL as an Official Partner is another important milestone on our journey to delivering the Games and we hope make other similar announcements in the coming weeks.”

The Vice-President of Azerbaijan Airlines, Eldar Hajiyev also added: "We are extremely proud to announce our partnership with the Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games. The fact that we have another major international sporting event taking place in Baku is testament to the growing profile of Azerbaijan in the sporting world and I am confident that the event will be organized and held at the highest possible level”.