Emirates installed its Business Class seats in the VIP stands at San Siro during the AC Milan-Inter derby on October 31, as part of a promotional activity with AC Milan, the airline said in a press release.

The airline said it installed two aircraft seats at the stadium, bringing its “Fly Better” onboard experience to the Italian football ground. The release said the seats come from its A380 aircraft.

As fan cameras turned to the stands, AC Milan legend Ricardo Kaká was seen sitting in one of the seats and reading a copy of the Dubai Journal, according to Emirates. The airline said Milan fans applauded and cheered.

The appearance was linked to a club honour. Emirates said Kaká received the trophy of the AC Milan Hall of Fame, presented by Emirates, after fans voted him among the club’s best midfielders, alongside Ruud Gullit and Carlo Ancelotti. The release described him as the first recipient of the club’s Hall of Fame Best Playmaker award.

Emirates said the initiative brings together aviation and sport. The airline has been AC Milan’s partner since 2007 and is the club’s Principal Partner and Official Airline Partner. Its “Fly Better” branding appears on the club’s jerseys.

Emirates also carries its branding on the jerseys of Arsenal, Real Madrid, S.L. Benfica and Olympique Lyonnais, and is a Platinum Partner of FC Bayern Munich’s first team, the release said. It has also been the title sponsor of the FA Cup for nearly a decade.

Source: PR