Emirates, one of the world's leading airlines, has reaffirmed its strong relationship with Olympique Lyonnais (OL) by renewing its sponsorship deal until June 30, 2030. This strategic extension underscores a partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community engagement, while also strengthening Emirates’ commitment to Lyon, the Rhône Alpes region, and France as a whole.
Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing, and Brand at Emirates, emphasized the significance of the renewal:
"We’re pleased to announce our extended commitment to Olympique Lyonnais – one of the most loved and respected teams in France. We began sponsoring Olympique Lyonnais in 2020 and the partnership has yielded significant brand visibility for Emirates. We share values of excellence, community engagement, and an innovative spirit, and we will continue building on our collaborative success."
Since the beginning of the partnership, the Emirates logo and its "Fly Better" tagline have become iconic on OL's jerseys, visible across domestic Ligue 1 matches and European competitions. The airline’s presence extends beyond the pitch, with prominent branding at Groupama Stadium and across a variety of marketing and social initiatives.
Building on Trust and Success
The renewal of the partnership reflects the deep trust and synergy developed between the two organizations. John Textor, Olympique Lyonnais Owner and CEO of Eagle Football Group, expressed his excitement about the future:
"We are delighted to continue our journey alongside Emirates for the next five seasons and to explore the many opportunities that lie ahead. The trust that has been built between our teams since 2020 will continue to grow, bringing our fans unforgettable moments of sharing and escape through football."
The renewed agreement ensures that Emirates will remain the shirt sponsor of Olympique Lyonnais across all competitions, highlighting the strong alignment between the two globally recognized brands. Fans can expect to see the Emirates logo proudly displayed on OL’s match-day jerseys and training kits until 2030.
Beyond shirt sponsorship, Emirates' branding will remain highly visible throughout Groupama Stadium, including premium advertising opportunities, player access, marketing collaborations, and social media engagements. The airline will also maintain hospitality privileges and continue offering special experiences to fans through exclusive events and promotions.
Elevating the Fan Experience
Emirates’ commitment to community engagement is one of the pillars of this partnership. Over the past year, the airline worked alongside Olympique Lyonnais and local organizations such as the Leon Bérard Centre and Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant to create unforgettable memories for young fans.
Through player escort programs, more than 23 children were given the chance to walk hand-in-hand with their football heroes ahead of home matches — a once-in-a-lifetime experience that captured the spirit of connection and joy that football and travel can bring. Emirates plans to continue these initiatives, strengthening its role not just as a sponsor but as an active contributor to the local community.
A Strong Footprint in French Sports
Beyond its partnership with Olympique Lyonnais, Emirates has cultivated a deep relationship with France’s sporting landscape. The airline is a major sponsor of the UAE Team Emirates cycling team, known for its Tour de France victories, and serves as the Official Airline and Premium Partner of Roland-Garros, one of tennis' four Grand Slam tournaments.
These partnerships reflect Emirates’ broader strategy of engaging with sports fans around the world and reinforcing its brand values through association with excellence, competition, and international appeal.
Connecting Lyon to the World
Emirates' investment in the Lyon region extends beyond sports sponsorship. The airline became the first international carrier to link Lyon directly to the United Arab Emirates in 2012, a move that opened new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Today, Emirates operates a daily flight to Lyon with its Boeing 777 aircraft, and starting in June 2025, this service will be upgraded to the advanced Airbus A350, enhancing comfort and connectivity for passengers.
Through its vast network of over 140 destinations, Emirates connects Lyon to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and major global cities, driving growth and positioning Lyon as an even more important gateway between Europe and the Middle East.
In addition to Lyon, Emirates also operates a robust schedule in France, including:
Paris: 21 weekly flights with 3 daily Airbus A380 services
Nice: Daily A380 flights, offering luxurious amenities on one of the world’s most iconic aircraft
Emirates’ French customers can look forward to a superior travel experience featuring regionally inspired gourmet meals created by award-winning chefs, the warm hospitality of a multinational cabin crew (which includes more than 580 French nationals), and access to ice, the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system offering more than 6,500 channels of on-demand content, including a rich selection of French movies, series, music, and games.
Looking Ahead
With this renewed commitment to Olympique Lyonnais, Emirates is sending a clear message about its future in France: one of deeper engagement, stronger connections, and continued investment in the communities it serves.
The partnership not only solidifies Emirates' position as a major brand in European football but also symbolizes its larger mission of connecting people, cultures, and dreams through its services and partnerships.
"We look forward to engaging with and bringing fans from all over the world closer to the action," Boutros Boutros concluded, underlining Emirates’ focus on creating unforgettable experiences both in the skies and on the ground.