Qatar Airways, one of the major Middle Eastern airlines, has announced a multi-year agreement with MotoGP, the premier motorcycle racing series.
The deal has secured the airline’s position as an official and cargo airline partner for the prestigious motorcycle racing series.
The agreement has granted the airline exclusive rights to provide passenger and cargo transportation for MotoGP operations. Fans attending races across the globe will benefit from access to commercial flights offered by the Qatari carrier. The airline has also extended charter flight services to championship personnel, ensuring efficient travel for teams and staff.
Furthermore, the airline’s dedicated air freight division will play a crucial role by transporting essential racing equipment to the over 20 Grands Prix held across five continents.
The Doha-based airline’s commitment extends beyond air travel. The agreement will also put the major Middle Eastern airline’s name on the trackside at several venues on the calendar, including this weekend’s races at Le Mans. This brand exposure will culminate in top billing at one of MotoGP’s premier events – the Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle GP later this season. This heightened visibility builds upon the airline’s title sponsorships of its home race, the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, in 2023 and 2024.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said, “Qatar continues to demonstrate its commitment to being a prominent hub for motorsports, and our new partnership with MotoGP only propels us forward. The Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar was the perfect season opener for us to welcome this unique partnership that combines the worlds of aviation and motorsports. Qatar Airways’ and Qatar Airways Cargo’s global networks will serve as the perfect medium for fans to connect with their favourite racing teams and make the upcoming seasons truly exceptional.”
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said, “Qatar Airways Cargo is thrilled to announce our first major sports partnership as the Official Cargo Airline Partner for MotoGP. As the largest air cargo carrier in the world operating a global network on a modern fleet, we offer bespoke charter solutions for the air transport of race and bike equipment for MotoGP races. We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Dorna Sports and MotoGP.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports, said, “We’re very happy to welcome Qatar Airways as official airline and confirm this new agreement. MotoGP is a global sport and to move across the world as we do, a partner like Qatar Airways has overwhelming value for our personnel, our freight and the whole paddock. Efficiency and excellence are words we live by and the same is true for Qatar Airways. There is no better partner to become the official airline of MotoGP.”
Qatar Airways, a multiple award-winning airline, continues to raise the bar in aviation, winning accolades such as ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. With over 170 destinations worldwide, the airline connects travellers through its hub, Hamad International Airport, renowned for its world-class facilities and service excellence.
The air carrier recently teamed up with the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for its 12th season in 2024.
This announcement comes amidst an ongoing MotoGP season. Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing currently leads the rider standings after four races, with the duo of Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini of the Ducati Lenovo Team in close pursuit. The championship continues with the Grand Prix de France on May 12 at 5:30 PM IST.