Aeroflot has become a FIBA global partner and the official airline of the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China ©FIBA

Russian carrier Aeroflot has become an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) global partner and the official airline of the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.

Under the agreement, Aeroflot holds the presenting partner rights for the ongoing worldwide FIBA World Cup Trophy Tour and the trophy ceremony that will occur following the final in Beijing on September 15.

The contractual rights also include Aeroflot's brand visibility on all basketball courts across the eight host cities of the World Cup and presenting partner rights for the "Best Flying Moments" that celebrate the most spectacular actions of the competition across FIBA's official digital platforms.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Aeroflot as a FIBA global partner," FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis said.

"It's an immense honour to partner with such a leading and renowned company, which we believe will be a great partner in our mission of developing and growing basketball worldwide.

"We are confident the partnership will be successful for both organisations and we look forward to a fruitful cooperation."

Yao Ming, an ambassador of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and Frank Leenders, director general of FIBA media and marketing services, with Aeroflot stewardesses at the launch of the Trophy Tour in Beijing in May ©FIBA
Yao Ming, an ambassador of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and Frank Leenders, director general of FIBA media and marketing services, with Aeroflot stewardesses at the launch of the Trophy Tour in Beijing in May ©FIBA

Andrey Panov, Aeroflot's deputy chief executive for strategy and marketing, added: "Since the start of Aeroflot global partnerships, its brand awareness has doubled in key markets.

"We believe that our partnership with FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 will positively impact on recognition of the Aeroflot brand and further reinforce our position in one of our key markets, China, where this year's World Cup is taking place.

"We are also honoured to be the first airline that takes part in the first-ever global FIBA Trophy Tour."

Founded in 1923, Aeroflot today flies to 159 destinations in 54 countries and is the world's most-recognised airline brand, according to consultant company Brand Finance.

The agreement was brokered by FIBA Marketing, the strategic partnership between FIBA and Infront Sports & Media.

The FIBA World Cup Trophy Tour was launched in Beijing on May 24, marking 100 days to go until the start of the event.

Yao Ming, an ambassador of the 2019 FIBA World Cup and the chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association, was on hand to witness it. 

A record 32 teams are set to compete in China, where action is due to begin on August 31.