Successful German-Turkish flight operator SunExpress – a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines – has become a VfB Stuttgart premium and exclusive airline partner with immediate effect. In addition to classic sponsoring activities, such as featuring on the LED advertising boards at the MHP Arena, SunExpress will be included in combined digital campaigns and fan events with VfB. The partnership is initially set for a period of three years.
“We are delighted to welcome SunExpress on board as exclusive airline partner and new premium partner of VfB Stuttgart,” said Alexander Wehrle, CEO of VfB Stuttgart. “This comprehensive partnership will further enrich VfB on many levels. Furthermore, it demonstrates the relevance and significance of our region, our city and our club for an international airline as a B2C and B2B platform. The collaboration also represents a real boost for Stuttgart as an airline hub and thus for the entire region.”
“Right from the outset of negotiations, we could feel that SunExpress and VfB Stuttgart were a very good match,” said Rouven Kasper, VfB Stuttgart’s chief marketing and sales officer. “We share the common ambition to provide people with special emotions and the best possible service, and to evolve constantly. We will activate this airline partnership with innovative and fan-focused campaigns, and we are looking forward to welcoming SunExpress to the exclusive tier of our premium partners. The activities will contribute to the domestic and international reputations of SunExpress and VfB and ultimately provide all VfB and SunExpress fans with added value.”
“SunExpress has been involved with top-level sport for a number of years and we are proud to now be able to accompany VfB Stuttgart en route to further great achievements,” said Max Kownatzki, CEO of SunExpress. “This partnership underlines our continual commitment to sport and to the many fans who fly with us. Whether it’s in the air or on the pitch, we unite people across cultures, generations and borders. Together, we will be looking to bring fresh impetus to the footballing world, creating unforgettable moments and sharing the excitement – both in the stadium and on board.”
“The partnership with VfB is a real benefit for us, strategically and culturally,” said Helmut Wölfel, SunExpress commercial director. “Together, we are setting the pace both at home and abroad when it comes to a strong, emotional brand presence. The club and its positive image are an ideal fit for our new brand strategy, and we look forward to enjoying a fruitful partnership.”
SunExpress was founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, and has 35 years of experience and expertise in tourist flights and as a tourism ambassador between Türkiye and Europe. SunExpress operates 237 routes to 92 destinations in 35 different countries, carrying some 15 million passengers every year. With its main offices in Antalya and Frankfurt along with bases in Izmir and Ankara, the company employs over 4,400 people.