Qatar Airways Group has secured a significant partnership deal, marking its three-year tenure as the Official Airline Partner and Qatar Airways Cargo as the Official Cargo Airline Partner of MotoGP.
This collaboration follows the success of the inaugural Grand Prix title sponsored by Qatar Airways in 2023 and the most recent 2024 edition held from 8-10 March.
As the Official Cargo Airline of MotoGP, Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading cargo carrier, will facilitate the air transport of race and bike equipment for all MotoGP races globally.
The partnership was officially announced ahead of the 2024 French Grand Prix and was celebrated during the Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2024, attended by dignitaries including H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, Mr. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, Mr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorsport Federation, and representatives from Lusail International Circuit.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Qatar continues to demonstrate its commitment to being a prominent hub for motorsports, and our new partnership with MotoGP only propels us forward. Qatar Airways’ and Qatar Airways Cargo’s global networks will serve as the perfect medium for fans to connect with their favorite racing teams and make the upcoming seasons truly exceptional.”
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, highlighted the company’s capability to transport automobiles by air, emphasizing their commitment to providing tailored solutions for MotoGP. He also expressed excitement about Qatar Airways Cargo’s first major sports partnership with Dorna Sports.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “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’s emergence as a leading motorsports hub has been fueled by investments in cutting-edge infrastructure, enabling fans to travel to global motorsport events via Qatar Airways’ extensive commercial passenger network of over 170 destinations. This partnership aims to cater to the growing fan base in Asia, where MotoGP continues to gain traction.
Qatar Airways has an extensive portfolio of sporting partnerships, including Formula 1, FIFA, The Asian Football Confederation, Paris-Saint Germain (PSG), Internazionale Milano, and various other disciplines, underscoring its commitment to sports fans worldwide.