NFL Int'l Series Teams Up With Virgin Atlantic For Charter Flights
Virgin Atlantic Airways has again teamed up with the National Football League to fly the teams participating in the 2010 Pepsi Max International Series, the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos, to London for the 2010 game next weekend.
"As a brand that was built on an entrepreneurial foundation and constantly strives to challenge itself, it is important for us to align with an organization that has similar values and is seen as more than a brand, but an experience," Chris Rossi, Senior Vice President, North America at Virgin Atlantic said. "Aligning Virgin Atlantic and the NFL is a natural fit, and we are thrilled to continue the relationship with the NFL International Series and work with the 49ers and Broncos to make the London flights a memorable experience."
The Virgin Atlantic-NFL relationship aims to drive awareness to potential new fliers, while showcasing the brand and its offerings.
Virgin Atlantic has leveraged the agreement in local markets through a San Francisco radio promotion on KNBR that gave Bay Area residents the chance to win a NFL fan's dream experience including Virgin Atlantic flights, tickets to the game and NFL VIP experiences. Virgin Atlantic's loyalty program, Flying Club, offered its members the chance to experience the game and London by entering a sweepstakes to win two Premium Economy tickets, two nights at St. Martin's Lane and game day seats.
Chris Rossi, Senior Vice President, North America at Virgin Atlantic continued: "This collaboration allows Virgin Atlantic to connect with new fliers and further emphasize our U.S. route network to the U.K. Working with the NFL gives Virgin Atlantic the valuable opportunity to expand our exposure to the American football fan base and is another step in our efforts to make Virgin Atlantic the airline of choice from the U.S. to London."
This will be the fourth installment of the NFL hosting an International Series game at London's Wembley Stadium.
Chris Parsons, Vice President, NFL International said: "It's an exciting time for the NFL as we return to the UK for the International Series and continue our relationship with Virgin Atlantic. We are two powerful brands born on opposite sides of the pond, that when combined, create a powerful team. It's a natural fit for the NFL to align with such an established international brand, and we look forward to bringing American football to Virgin Atlantic's home base."
In addition to supporting the NFL International Series through the charter flights, Virgin Atlantic will extend the agreement with activation in the UK. This will include reaching U.S. and U.K. American football fans at the first NFL public fan rally at Trafalgar Square, becoming the presenting sponsor aboard the NFL's Saturday night river cruise and hosting a hospitality event for key customers and guests at Wembley Stadium.
