Egypt's national carrier, EGYPTAIR, has signed an agreement to become a "Global Partner" of FC Barcelona through the 2028/29 season, the football club announced Wednesday, marking the airline's entry into top-tier European sports sponsorship.

Under the deal, EGYPTAIR becomes the club's "Exclusive Official Airline" for its men's football first team, basketball team, and handball team. As part of the agreement, the EGYPTAIR logo will also appear on the front of the handball team's match jersey.

For EGYPTAIR, the sponsorship is tied to the airline's broader strategy of expanding its fleet and international route network, with the club describing it as a reflection of the carrier's commitment to improving its passenger service.

For FC Barcelona, the partnership aims to extend the global reach of the Barça brand and strengthen its presence in new markets.

Marc Bruix, FC Barcelona's Global Sponsorships director, said linking the club with an airline he described as a benchmark for excellence in international aviation was a natural step in its expansion strategy.

He said the sponsorship reflected the club's commitment to bringing its values to fans across the Middle East and Africa, regions where the club said it has a significant supporter base.

Captain Ahmed Adel, president of EGYPTAIR Holding Company, called the sponsorship of one of the world's most prestigious football clubs an unprecedented moment in the airline's history.

He said the partnership brought together EGYPTAIR's 95-year history with FC Barcelona's global sporting standing, and described it as an opportunity to connect with football fans worldwide.

He added that the airline's presence at the signing ceremony reflected a shared vision between the two parties around the role of air travel in connecting cultures and people.

Founded in 1932, EGYPTAIR is one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East and Africa. Headquartered in Cairo, the carrier operates a network connecting Egypt to more than 85 destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.

It is a member of the Star Alliance, and its EGYPTAIR Plus loyalty programme offers passengers access to the alliance's broader route network. According to the club, the airline is currently pursuing a transformation strategy focused on fleet modernisation, network expansion, digital transformation and sustainability.

Source: PR