Qantas, Australia's largest airline, has a long history of involvement with the AOC having carried the country's top athletes to compete at every overseas Olympic Games since Helsinki 1952.

The new agreement will see the Qantas continue as the AOC's Official Airline and provide travel for the Australian Olympic team to Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016.

In addition, they will be the provide airline travel for the young Australian athletes that compete at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic and the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympics.

The extension agreement was announced at the AOC Annual General Meeting in Sydney.

"The Australian Olympic team is delighted to continue our long and valued relationship with Qantas for the next four years," said AOC President John Coates.

"It is a hugely important relationship to us as we head to the Sochi and Rio Olympic Games

The new deal comes after Qantas were recognised for their efforts during the London 2012 Olympics as they won the AOC's inaugural Gold Inspiration Award for excellence in Olympic marketing after they provided a charter flight to bring home the Australian team from the Games.


"We've been strong supporters of the Australian Olympic team for over 60 years because we believe in the values the Olympic Games represent," said Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce.

"It's an honour to carry the team home after they have done our nation proud.

"Sponsoring the Australian team is a natural fit for Qantas.

"When we fly around the world, we promote Australian culture, tourism and, most importantly, the Australian people.

"We're extremely proud to continue as the Official Airline of the Australian Olympic Team as they head to Sochi in 2014 and onto Rio in 2016."

Qantas, whose headquarters are in Sydney, are the oldest continuously operated airline in the world having been founded in November 1920.

They began operations shortly after in March 1921.

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