Date: 27 Aug 2013

Oman Air is continuing its support for premium sports events with sponsorship of a series of polo events in Europe.

Its first event, the Oman Air Duke of Wellington Trophy, was held on 11th August and saw top polo team Black Eagles beating rivals Mad Dogs 8-3½ in a thrilling match held at Guards Polo Club, in Windsor Great Park, England.

Forthcoming events include the Oman Air Duke of Cornwall Trophy and the Oman Air Autumn Nations Cup, both to be held at Guards Polo Club, and the Oman Air Frankfurt Gold Cup, which will be held in Germany.

Oman Air’s sponsorship is the latest move in the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman’s support of sporting excellence and follows its backing of Oman Sail – whose Oman Air-Musandam yacht has this year taken part in the renowned Rolex Fastnet race – as well as the Oman Football Association and motorsports star Ahmad Al Harthy. Each of these events, together with the polo sponsorship, exposes the Oman Air brand to high net worth audiences and attracts television coverage which raises awareness not just of Oman Air’s award-winning products and services, but also of the Sultanate of Oman’s unique attractions as a premium destination.

Congratulating Black Eagles on their win, Mohammed Al Shikely, General Manager Marketing, Oman Air said:

“Black Eagles have played extremely well throughout the Oman Air Duke of Wellington Trophy and their win is well-deserved. The final was an exciting match and could not have provided a better introduction to the sport for those spectators who were new to polo.” The match was watched from the Royal Box by guests of Oman Air, who included Guards Polo Club founder His Grace the Duke of Wellington, diplomats and business leaders. Key members of the media also attended, helping to further spread the word about Oman Air and the Sultanate of Oman.

Mohammed Al Shikely continued:

“We would like to thank all the teams who participated in the Oman Air Duke of Wellington Trophy, His Grace the Duke of Wellington, Guards Polo Club and all our guests for ensuring that the event was such a great success.” Oman Air is the only airline to operate a daily, non-stop service from the UK to Oman, departing from Heathrow Terminal 3, with onward connections to destinations throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. Its business class seat was named ‘Best in the World’ at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2011 and 2012 and, in addition to attracting dozens of other awards, the airline pioneered inflight mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity. Founded in 1955 with His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as President, Guards Polo Club is the largest polo club in Europe in terms of membership and number of grounds.