English Premier League football club, Manchester United FC, has announced a five-year partnership with Aeroflot, under which the Moscow-based international airline will become the club’s official carrier.

As the club’s carrier, Aeroflot will provide the Premier League champions with strategic advice on travel for the team and club representatives. This partnership marks the club’s first commercial venture in Russia, where it is looking to expand its market and has nearly 18 million followers.

The deal was announced at United’s Old Trafford ground in northwest England, attended by Aeroflot chief executive, Vitaly Saveliev, Manchester United group managing director, Richard Arnold, team manager, David Moyes, and several players. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Aeroflot, which carries 27.5 million passengers per annum, has 137 planes and one of the newest fleets in Europe, with an average aircraft age of five to six years. Its luxury aircraft are claimed to feature comfortable seating as well as award-winning on-board menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs.

As a member of SkyTeam global airline alliance, Aeroflot and its partners provide services to more than 1,000 destinations in 178 countries and offer the shortest route between Europe and Asia, via Moscow.

Manchester United group managing director, Richard Arnold, commented, ‘Manchester United and Aeroflot share several core values and we are pleased to be welcoming such a high quality company as a sponsor.’ He added, ‘Like the club, Aeroflot demonstrates team work, quality and a pride in its heritage, whilst still embracing new technologies and innovation.’

‘We look forward to developing a meaningful partnership with them and reaching our fans in innovative and rewarding ways.’