Turkish Airlines Activates Mega Sports Sponsorships

Turkish Airlines, one of the fastest growing airlines in Europe, made waves earlier this year when it signed major sponsorship deals with two of Europe's biggest football teams, FC Barcelona and Manchester United, in less than one week.

The partnerships are relatively similar in the structure of their assets. Painted planes, Team-themed TV ads, carriage consideration and significant in-stadium signage, among other elements. The airline has wasted no time in kicking off the partnerships in recent weeks.

Turkish Airlines New FC Barcelona Ad

FC Barcelona Plane

Turkish Airlines & Man-U

Turkish Airlines is Europe's fourth largest carrier, operating flights from Barcelona and Manchester Airport and carrying 25.1 million passengers last year.

Unlike some airline deals in the U.S. that are used primarily for consumer marketing (with teams using other charter arrangements for actual transport), Turkish Airlines will transport both clubs' players and officials to relevant matches, tournaments and training camps as part of the deals.