Emirates Serves Up Partnership with Tennis World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Unveils Grand Slam-Themed A380 Livery
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Emirates Airline has announced a landmark partnership with Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, naming her as the airline’s first-ever tennis ambassador. The collaboration, revealed on January 20, 2026, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is highlighted by a specially designed Emirates A380 aircraft featuring a “Tennis Grand Slam” livery, celebrating the airline’s sponsorship of the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
The partnership underscores Emirates’ longstanding commitment to the sport of tennis and aligns with Sabalenka’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and achieving victory. According to a company release, the airline and the athlete share a common spirit. Dubai has served as a crucial training ground for Sabalenka for many years, solidifying her connection with the Emirates brand.
Sabalenka’s Ascent and the Peak of Her Career
The cooperation arrives at a high point in Sabalenka’s career. The 27-year-old has secured four Grand Slam titles, including consecutive championships at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, following her second US Open win last September. Despite finishing as runner-up at the 2025 Australian Open, she has been recognized as the WTA Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons.
Beyond Travel: A Partnership Empowering Women in Sport
Sabalenka emphasized the synergy between her personal standards and Emirates’ brand values. “In tennis, every detail counts – so it was a natural fit to partner with a brand that shares my passion for excellence and attention to detail,” she stated. She further highlighted the importance of the partnership in showcasing the achievements of women in sports, noting that traveling in “Flying Excellence” comfort with Emirates has been instrumental in her preparation. “When I landed in Melbourne and stepped off the Emirates A380, I felt ready to make 2026 another year worth remembering,” she added.
Emirates’ Vision for Fan Engagement
Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand at Emirates Airline, described Sabalenka as “not only a champion on the field, but also an icon who inspires millions of people around the world with her determination and professionalism.” He emphasized the deep connection between Dubai and the athlete, stating that the partnership represents a “sublimation” of their existing relationship.
Emirates plans to leverage the partnership to enhance the fan experience, offering opportunities to engage with the brand both in the air and at matches. This includes live tennis streaming via the airline’s ice in-flight entertainment system and incorporating Australian-inspired menus on flights. Emirates expressed its anticipation for Sabalenka’s performance at the 2026 Australian Open and beyond.
A Global Portfolio of Sporting Partnerships
Emirates’ commitment to sports extends far beyond tennis. The airline boasts a diverse portfolio of partnerships encompassing horse racing (Dubai World Cup and Godolphin team), golf (DP World Tour Championship), cricket (major ICC events), sailing (Emirates New Zealand Sailing Team, SailGP), basketball (NBA, Real Madrid), cycling (Emirates Airline-XRG Racing Team), and Australian Rules Football (Collinwood). The airline’s “Fly Better” logo is prominently displayed on the jerseys of numerous football clubs, including Arsenal, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Benfica, and Lyon, and they are a platinum partner of Bayern Munich and the long-standing title sponsor of the FA Cup. Within the UAE, Emirates sponsors the UAE Pro League and features on the training jerseys of Al Ain Football Club for the 2025-26 season.
