Etihad Airways has officially signed a multi-year agreement to become the Front of Shirt Sponsor for Mumbai City FC, starting from the 2024-25 season. This partnership highlights Etihad’s dedication to the Indian market and underscores Mumbai City’s standing as one of India’s top football clubs, having won two Indian Super League titles and two ISL Cups. The deal, which is the longest in Indian football’s history, coincides with Etihad’s 20th anniversary of flying to India. From the 2024-25 season, the Etihad Airways logo will feature prominently on Mumbai City FC’s first team and youth team jerseys, as well as their training kits.
This collaboration strengthens the long-standing ties between the home nations of both organizations, emphasizing shared values of teamwork and excellence. Both Mumbai City and Etihad aim to unite people and foster ambition.
Kandarp Chandra, CEO of Mumbai City FC, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Etihad as our Front of Shirt Sponsor. Their support reflects the brand of football we stand for—performance-driven and committed to excellence both on and off the pitch. Both Mumbai City and Etihad represent cities that beautifully blend tradition with modernity.”
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves remarked, “We are excited to deepen our engagement in the Indian market through this meaningful partnership with Mumbai City FC. India is a key strategic market for us, and we are committed to serving the community with convenient connections across the globe.”
As part of celebrating 20 years of operations in India, Etihad will deploy its A380 on the Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route starting September 1, showcasing the airline’s commitment to its growth in India. Etihad operates flights to 11 Indian destinations, with four daily flights to Mumbai, providing seamless connections worldwide.
Neves added, “Our partnership with Mumbai City FC will bring excitement to the football-loving fans of Mumbai.”
About Mumbai City FC:
Founded in 2014, Mumbai City FC is a top-tier club competing in the Indian Super League (ISL). Nicknamed “The Islanders,” they are the only Indian club to have won the ISL League and ISL Cup in the same season (2020/21). The club also boasts victories in the ISL League Shield (2022/23) and ISL Cup (2023/24). Internationally, Mumbai City FC has made history by competing in the AFC Champions League in 2022 and 2023/24, becoming the first Indian team to register wins in Asia’s premier club competition.
Mumbai City FC joined the City Football Group (CFG) in 2019, alongside global clubs like Manchester City FC and New York City FC. The club plays its home games at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri, Mumbai, and its crest reflects the spirit of the city.
About Etihad Airways:
Founded in 2003, Etihad Airways is the national airline of the UAE and has grown into a leading global airline. With flights spanning the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, Etihad’s network, enhanced by codeshare partners, provides access to numerous destinations worldwide. Recognized for its service excellence, Etihad has invested heavily in fuel-efficient aircraft to address the climate crisis and has been named the Environmental Airline of the Year for three consecutive years.
