Abu Dhabi: Manchester City FC has hit the 30,000 milestone mark for membership of the official Sky
Blue UAE membership program.
Sky Blue, a
partnership between Etihad Airways and Manchester City, has been such a
phenomenon that manager Manuel Pellegrini has spoken of the “incredible
passion” shown by fans in the UAE.
Since the launch
of Sky Blue in in late 2011, UAE-based supporters have taken advantage
of the fantastic membership benefits as well as Etihad Airways flight
deals to Manchester – with more than 5,000 making that round trip.
A particular
attraction has been the big UEFA Champions League matches at the Etihad
Stadium which City have been part of in recent years and will be again
next season.
“Sky Blue
membership in the UAE aims to connect fans in the UAE directly with the
club – and we are delighted with the results,” said Olivier Turkel, Head
of Commercial MENA, Manchester City FC.
“They are all
very much part of the City family now and the FanZone events we have
organised in Abu Dhabi have shown us just how much the club means to
them.
“In addition we
have had many fans coming to Manchester from Abu Dhabi as well as all
corners of the world which is very special and those bonds just keep
getting stronger.”
Peter
Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, added: “Among the
many successes of the partnership between Etihad Airways and Manchester
City FC, the Sky Blue story is one that is close to all our hearts.
“Sky Blue is a
unique program for Etihad Airways and Manchester City as it is focused
on the Club’s fans in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. The way it has grown
in popularity is testament to how much the fans have embraced this
membership program which is fantastic to see.
“It’s also been
great to see so many fans taking up the chance to fly with Etihad
Airways to watch the team play in Manchester. We continue to explore new
opportunities to make Sky Blue even more attractive to even more fans
of MCFC."
Sky Blue UAE led
the way in organising a series of FanZone events in Abu Dhabi in recent
seasons with hundreds of people gathering at Zayed Sports City to cheer
on the team.
Twice they have
come together on the outdoor pitch at the complex to see the side win
the English Premier League trophy with further victories in the FA Cup
and The Capital One Cup.
Star players
have also met Sky Blue members for special autograph and Q&A
sessions – often bringing the silverware with them to go on display.
“It was pretty
overwhelming to have so many fans coming to see us when we have been in
Abu Dhabi and personally for me it was a very special trip,” said
midfielder Samir Nasri.
“On one evening I
went to a sports shop to meet supporters and they were so passionate
and loyal – that is just something I was not expecting so many miles
away from Manchester.”
Sky Blue members
also benefit from a complimentary Etihad Stadium tour in Manchester,
and discounts on MCFC merchandise in Abu Dhabi's official Manchester
City shop at Marina Mall.
One of the most
popular benefits of membership is the significant saving on Etihad
Airways flights to Manchester which will soon include all Etihad Airways
flights. These new benefits will be launched before the start of the
2015/16 season.
There are also
frequent exclusive competitions and prizes for members that include
trips to match day experiences at the Etihad Stadium, as well as City
merchandise and Etihad Guest miles.
