Qatar Airways Cargo has been appointed the official cargo airline partner of Grand Prix motorcycle racing championship class, MotoGP.
The three-year partnership is built upon the success of the first Grand Prix title sponsored by Qatar Airways, which took place in 2023, and the most recent 2024 edition which took place from March 8-10.
As official cargo airline of the MotoGP, Qatar Airways Cargo will provide air transport for race and bike equipment for all MotoGP races around the world.
Announced on the eve of the 2024 French Grand Prix, the partnership builds on the success of the season opener at Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit. The signing ceremony took place prior to the start of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2024.
Alongside Qatar Airways Cargo, Qatar Airways is also the official airline partner of MotoGP, with a three-year partnership in place.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “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, commented: “Whether it is a classic, a prototype or your favourite set of wheels, Qatar Airways Cargo offers specific solutions to transport automobiles by air.
“As the largest air cargo carrier in the world, operating an extensive global network on a young modern fleet and bespoke charter solutions in place, we meet the requirements to be dedicated air cargo carrier for the MotoGP. The cargo team and I are thrilled with our first major sports partnership with Dorna Sports and look forward to bringing motorcyles to their global events.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, chief executive of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports, added: “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 is the official airline of Formula 1, FIFA, The Asian Football Confederation, Paris-Saint Germain (PSG), Internazionale Milano, The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), CONCACAF, the FIA World Endurance Championship, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), The Brooklyn Nets NBA Team, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, equestrian, kitesurfing, motor racing, squash, and tennis.
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