Emirates and the Formula One group have announced a five year agreement appointing Emirates as a global partner of Formula 1 starting with the imminent 2013 season.

The announcement was made by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline & Group and Bernie Ecclestone, chief executive of the Formula One group.

Emirates will have a strong branding presence at 15 races on the 2013 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar across Europe, Asia, Australasia, North America and South America.

Starting at the Grand Prix in Malaysia (March 22nd-24th 2013), the distinctive Fly Emirates branding will be seen at historic circuits such as Silverstone in Great Britain, Monza in Italy and Interlagos in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

“This is an exciting global opportunity to align two world leading brands.

“The ambition, cutting-edge technological standards and worldwide reach of Formula One go hand in hand with Emirates’ vision and ambition,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

As part of the Formula 1 global partner agreement, branding will be displayed on circuit bridges and associated ground signs and Emirates will make full use of the world-renowned Formula One Paddock Club. 

Ecclestone commented: “Emirates has a first class international reputation and I’m very pleased to welcome such a prestigious company as a global partner of Formula One.

“Watching Formula One races live in flight will be something special for Emirates customers and Emirates branding at this many races on the calendar will lend strong support to their ambitious expansion plans.

“With considerable overlap between their priority markets and our own I look forward to many successful years working on this important partnership together.”