Emirates to be official airline for Glasgow 2014 Games

Alex Salmond with Games Mascot Clyde at the Emirates desk at Glasgow Airport

Emirates has been unveiled as the latest official sponsor of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Dubai-based airline becomes an official games' partner and official airline of the Queen's Baton Relay.

The announcement comes just a few weeks after the company paid £5m for the naming rights to the Commonwealth arena in Glasgow's East End.

The venue includes the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, the Commonwealth Indoor Sports Stadium and three sports halls.

'Significant announcement'

Announcing the sponsorship deal, First Minister Alex Salmond said: "It is excellent to have such a prestigious sponsor as Emirates Airline on board to help us deliver a fantastic Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

"This announcement is significant, not just because of what it means for the success of the games, but also as it demonstrates the excellent relationship Emirates continues to have with Scotland, after the airline announced an expansion in its Glasgow to Dubai service earlier this year."

Richard Jewsbury, Emirates senior vice president in Europe, said: "For the past eight years Emirates has been proud to play a key role in supporting Scotland's international connections.

"This new multi-million pound partnership with Glasgow 2014 demonstrates our continued commitment to Scotland and highlights the nation's place on the international sporting stage."