Air India partners with Warwickshire CCC for Specsavers Test match at Edgbaston
Warwickshire County Cricket Club has agreed a new partnership with Air India at England’s first match of the Specsavers Test Series against India, which starts at Edgbaston on Wednesday.
In celebration of its fifth anniversary of operating flights from Birmingham Airport, Air India – which currently runs four direct services to Delhi and three flights direct to Amritsar each week – is taking perimeter branding throughout England’s 1st Specsavers Test match against India, in addition to working with Edgbaston on a series of digital marketing campaigns.
Gareth Roberts, Commercial Director at Warwickshire CCC, said: “Next week’s opening Test of England’s Specsavers Test Series with India represents a major milestone in cricket’s history as England’s 1,000th Test match. All eyes are certainly going to be on Edgbaston, with a huge global television audience expected.
“We’re thrilled that Air India are also using the occasion to celebrate the five-year anniversary of operating flights from Birmingham Airport; another partner of the club. We look forward to working with the Air India team over the coming days.”
India’s return to Edgbaston will be the first in Test cricket since 2011, which marked the opening of stadium’s new South and West stands following a £32 million redevelopment project. The Birmingham venue will also host India in 2019 for one of the biggest group games in the ICC Cricket World Cup against hosts England.
Debashis Golder, Regional Manager – UK & Europe – at Air India, said: “Air India currently serves two most popular destinations from the Midlands namely Delhi and Amritsar, operating a daily flight (four days direct to Delhi and rest three days direct to Amritsar) with convenient timings at both ends for onward connections to all major Metros and tourist destinations of India.
“With excellent support and strong partnership with Birmingham Airport, Air India is happy to celebrate its 5th Anniversary of operations from Birmingham.”
The partnership has been supported by Birmingham Airport, which has been working with Warwickshire CCC for more than a year as the back of shirt sponsor for Birmingham Bears T20 team in the Vitality Blast.
Tom Screen, Acting Aviation Director, Birmingham Airport said: “Birmingham Airport is delighted to support Air India for the Specsavers Test match at Edgbaston Stadium. It is an amazing opportunity for us to celebrate our partnership with Air India which reaches its fifth anniversary on the first day. It is also great for Birmingham Airport to engage with the local community and provide a crucial link between the region and India for families and those traveling with Air India for leisure and for businesses. Watching our respective teams play at this magnificent ground will provide all of us with a huge sense of pride. And we wish both England and India the best of luck for this crucial first test match.”