AIRLINE SPONSORSHIPS AND SPORTS – AN EXPLORATORY REVIEW OF MAJOR AIRLINE ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

Airline involvement in sport sponsorship has grown over the last few years as sponsorship activity has proven effective as one method to reach a global audience. Aiding in this move to the use of sponsorship is the growing role of social media networks that can be utilized with traditional media and event marketing activities to leverage the impact of the sponsorship. However, the extent of involvement in sports, the leading area of sponsorship activity, and across other events by the world’s major air carriers varies greatly. This review examines the reported sponsorships engagements in sports by leading global airlines at the airline’s web site.