THE AFL has extended its partnership with Virgin Australia until 2018.
The League's official airline since January 2011, Virgin Australia was called in as naming rights partner of the Grand Final Half Time Show, the post-match Premiership Party and the Grand Final Week Party this year.
AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said the League was delighted with Virgin Australia's show of support.
"There's no question the AFL and the broader Australian football community has benefitted enormously from the partnership we’ve enjoyed with Virgin Australia since 2011,” Demetriou said.
“We’re delighted that the partnership has been extended for a further five year period which illustrates the commitment from both organisations and the value we place in Virgin Australia as a key partner."
Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti echoed Demetriou's sentiments, saying the partnership had strengthened.
"The AFL players are some of the most frequent flyers in the country and it is therefore a huge vote of confidence in Virgin Australia that they were keen to extend our partnership," Borghetti said.
"We look forward to continuing to provide the AFL with the best possible travel experience and working together to support its large Australian fan base."
Virgin Australia has provided thousands of extra seats for finals footy fans.
"They have raised the level of service for our supporters and our clubs and continue to bolster the football-related travel and tourism sector throughout the country," Demetriou said.
The airline has also played a major part in instituting the Any Game Anywhere initiative – the AFL's travel service which enables fans to tailor travel packages, tickets and accommodation.
