Qatar Airways launches start of partnership with FC Barcelona

The airline’s partnership with FCB took effect from July 1st this year. 

In attendance were leading representatives of both organisations, the CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al-Baker, the president of FC Barcelona, Sandro Rosell and vice president of FC Barcelona economic and strategy area, Javier Faus. 

Al Baker said: “The joining of FCB and Qatar Airways is truly history in the making. It is the first time we enter into such a landmark, significant sports partnership.” 

He added: “We understand the importance of FCB to Catalonia, to Spain, and in fact – to every country around the world. It is a great honour to be standing side by side as you create and spread the excitement that this great game of football brings to fans.” 

Al Baker also spoke about the airline’s expansive communications campaign about the partnership that will cover various elements: “our aim with this new campaign is to show to the world how strongly we stand behind this new partnership, which we will share with passengers across our entire network." 

He further described the partnership as “a fitting match for both organisations that share the same values: the pursuit of excellence, passion, pride and culture. 

The airline CEO added: “This partnership will also raise Qatar Airways and FC Barcelona to a new platform internationally, bringing the fans of FCB closer together. 

FC Barcelona football club president Sandro Rosell said: "We have a long journey ahead lasting three years in which we will share experiences, with a common starting point and goals. Barça and Qatar Airways are united by many ideals, such as a passion to be better each day, the conviction that the human factor makes a difference and the integration of different cultures, but I would emphasize the desire we have to connect with people. And this desire leads us to want to be every day closer to our fans." 

Qatar Airways will work with FC Barcelona to create joint initiatives and will especially focus on connecting with the club’s fans and also with underprivileged children to spread the love of the game to all corners of the globe.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker with club president Sandro Rosell and club vice-president for economy and strategy, Javier Faus