Etihad Airways Signs Deal As Exclusive Airline Partner Of Wizards, Capitals, Mystics

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways will become the "exclusive airline partner" of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and its three teams -- the Capitals, Wizards and WNBA Mystics -- as well as Verizon Center, according to Sean Cronin of the Abu Dhabi NATIONAL. The agreement "reflects a major lobbying offensive by the Gulf carriers after they came under fire from Delta, United and American Airlines." U.K.-based JLS Consulting Dir John Strickland said, "This is all about raising awareness and it is becoming part of the battle to win hearts and minds.” Cronin notes Etihad is "already official airline partner" of MLS, the DC-based Nation's Triathlon, EPL club Manchester City and the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (THENATIONAL.ae, 5/12). In DC, Jeff Clabaugh noted financial terms of the partnership "weren’t disclosed." DC is a "good marketing outlet" for Etihad, and "one of six U.S. cities" it serves. The region's three airports have "500 international flights a week" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 5/11).