China Southern sponsors Australian cricket event
China Southern Airlines has made its first foray into Australian sport, becoming the major sponsor of a new cricket tournament.
The China Southern Airlines Tournament, a new Twenty20 charity series scheduled to take place every two years, will debut in Sydney in October with Cricket NSW and the Mumbai Cricket Association competing for the NSW Maharashtra Cricket Cup.
The move forms part of the Guangzhou-based airline’s major push into the Australian market.
“We know how important cricket is to India and Australia and China Southern is proud to be able to use our international network to bring Mumbai’s best cricketers to Sydney for the inaugural match of this very exciting new Twenty20 cricketing series,” said China Southern’s Regional General Manager for Australia & New Zealand, Henry He.
“With daily connections between Sydney and Delhi, the airline is proud to further forge the strong sporting bonds between the two States. We can only hope our new Canton Route to London via Guangzhou will do the same for Aussie and British Test fans come Ashes time.”
New South Wales’ state premier Barry O’Farrell said China Southern’s support would help make the event a success.
“I am delighted with this support from China Southern Airlines for what will be a big moment for cricket in NSW,” O’Farrell said. “With China Southern Airlines getting behind the event, two of our most important trading partners, India and China, have come together.”
Funds raised during the cricket event will go to the 40K Foundation which aims to reduce poverty in developing countries.
From 5 June, the airline will launch direct flights to London, offering Australians the chance to fly to the UK via Guangzhou.