Air Malta and the 2008 English FA Cup winners Portsmouth FC have successfully concluded a two-year commercial agreement. The deal, signed today, sees Air Malta becoming the official airline partner of Portsmouth FC and both organisations working together on various joint marketing opportunities.

The two organisations have agreed to drive together a variety of co-marketing and advertising opportunities both during the Barclays Premier League matches of Portsmouth FC and also during the club's games in the FA, UEFA and League cups. The activities include LED perimeter advertising at the club's Fratton Park stadium, advertising on backdrops during Portsmouth FC interviews, advertising in the matchday programme, websites links and promotions, brand marketing and on a host of other marketing communications systems.

The agreement was signed by Air Malta's General Manager Marketing & Product, Brian Bartolo and Peter Storrie, Chief Executive of Portsmouth FC. Commenting on this agreement Mr Bartolo said, "We are enthusiastic to have concluded this commercial agreement with Portsmouth FC which is a first for a Maltese organisation. The excellent results achieved on our UK routes during these last months have given us the drive to strengthen the airline's presence in the UK. Through this agreement Air Malta will be getting global TV coverage through the extensive exposure that the UK's Barclays Premier League has around the world. This agreement shows the initiative that Air Malta is willing to take to promote Malta abroad and to increase tourism arrivals to Malta. It is also a clear commitment to Malta and the island's promotion overseas as the agreement's main objectives is to advertise Malta and Air Malta throughout the UK."

Portsmouth FC's Chief Executive, Peter Storrie, said, "We are delighted to welcome Air Malta as our new official flight partner. They are one of the most highly-respected airlines in the world and, like Portsmouth, have a rich history, something of which we are both extremely proud. The relationship will enable us to tap into marketing opportunities and grow our brand globally through the routes that Air Malta serves, while also allowing them to gain exposure through our continued success in both European and domestic competitions."