The deal sees the airline become the sixth official partner of the inaugural Games, joining P&G, Tissot, BP, Nar Mobile and SOCAR.

Under the agreement, the airline will carry Baku 2015 branding and also feature the European Games on the airline's in-flight movies and magazines to help increase awareness of the Games with an international audience.

The agreement also ensures the European Games has a significant presence within Heydar Aliyev International Airport to welcome visitors arriving for next summer's event.

"Azerbaijan Airlines help to connect our country with the world, so it is fitting that they are on board as an official partner of the European Games," said Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sports and Baku 2015 chief executive.

"They are one of the most popular companies within Azerbaijan and they will help us to ensure that the European Games have a visible presence worldwide."

Azerbaijan Airlines becomes the sixth official partner of the Baku 2015 European Games ©Baku 2015



The company serves more than 1.7 million passengers per year and travels to 38 countries.

It is hoping to increase its number of daily flights into Baku ahead of next year's European Games, with daily flights between the Azerbaijani capital and New York City beginning today.

"The Baku 2015 European Games represent a wonderful opportunity to bring the world to Baku to enjoy an elite sporting experience in Azerbaijan," said Jahangir Askerov, President of Azerbaijan Airlines

"We are extremely proud to be joining the European Games journey as an official partner and we look forward to carrying the Baku 2015 brand on our travels around the world."

Simon Clegg, chief operating officer of Baku 2015, added: "We are delighted to have signed this important deal with Azerbaijan Airlines, our sixth official partner who will play an important role in bringing the best European athletes to Baku next year.

"Recognised internationally for the quality of their service, Azerbaijan Airlines are a perfect fit for the Baku 2015 European Games and further strengthen our existing sponsorship programme."

The Games are due to take place from June 12 to 28.

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