Qatar Airways helps ASPIRE to spread its wings

Under the terms of the deal, Qatar Airways now operates an in-house reservations office at ASPIRE, responsible for travel and flight information for international guests attending the Academy's launch.

It is the first time that Qatar Airways has agreed to provide a dedicated facility of this kind for an educational establishment and one of the first such partnerships in the world.

Sporting legends from around the globe will be able to enjoy the Five Star comforts and service of one of the world's best airlines when Qatar Airways flies them to Doha for this week's prestigious event.

The 'Spread Your Wings' event will see the Academy welcome more than 400 high profile guests - sportsmen and women, past and present, as well as leading sports opinion formers - from around the world for the inauguration ceremony of the ASPIRE dome, the largest of its kind in the world.

The second day of the event includes a Gala Dinner for the invited dignitaries. Qatar Airways is also a key sponsor of the gala night and will provide its world-class levels of hospitality that the airline has grown accustomed to.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: "Qatar Airways is a proud supporter of sporting and academic excellence within Qatar and we are delighted to host the gala dinner and enter into a partnership with ASPIRE to provide travel and hospitality support for the opening event.

"ASPIRE is helping to support the growth and development of the next generation of sporting champions within the region and by supporting this high-calibre event, we are delighted to be a part of the Academy's success."

Neil Duncanson, ASPIRE's communications manager said:

"We are very pleased to join together in a partnership with Qatar Airways for the ASPIRE launch event. We will be hosting some of the biggest legends in world sport as well as sports tournaments and international entertainment acts and Qatar Airways will be flying them all."

"Our guests will be travelling in some style, benefiting from the personal service offered by Qatar Airways, recognised as one of only four carriers to be rated five stars."

The 'Spread Your Wings' event will run from November 17 - November 19, 2005, at the ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence, Qatar.