Virgin Australia Signs With Aussie Open

The Australian Open has signed a new sponsorship deal with V Australia, the international airline of Virgin Blue Airlines Group, V Australia will be known as the official airline of the Australian Open and the Brisbane International.

Last June, Qantas pulled out of its official sponsorship after a 21 year relationship with the Australian Open and Tennis Australia.

The new partnership will see all Tennis Australia staff travel with V Australia internationally and Virgin Blue domestically.

“We are excited to have V Australia as a new partner for the Australian Open and Brisbane International,” Tennis Australia’s CEO Steve Wood said today.“V Australia is a vibrant new brand and a natural fit for the Australian Open and the Australian Open Series event in Brisbane.”

“Their sponsorship will inject a new dynamic to the game of tennis and I look forward to working closely with V Australia in the future,” Wood elaborated.

Qantas' troubles have apparently opened the door for Virgin Australia. In November, Qantas let go of its internal sponsorship team and decided to outsource the practice to its ad agency, M&C Saatchi.

“V Australia is thrilled to be involved with Tennis Australia as their official airline and to be associated with one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events – the Australian Open," Scott Swift, Executive General Manager, V Australia, said.

“The game of tennis was once known as the ‘Game of Kings’ but is now a game enjoyed by all from the elite professional tournaments to backyard rallies. In the same way tennis appeals to a large cross-section of the community, so to does V Australia which offers a suite of travel options from premium top-end Business to spacious Premium Economy and Economy travel."