International soccer superstar Leo Messi was named Global Brand Ambassador for Turkish Airlines at a ceremony(6th December) at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, after signing the agreement in September 2012. The FC Barcelona forward joins the ranks of Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and professional tennis player Caroline Wozniacki who have been brand ambassadors since 2011 and 2010 respectively.
“I would like to thank to Turkish Airlines because it’s a great honor for me to be the brand ambassador of such a fast growing among the world’s biggest and Europe’s Best Airline company” said Messi. “I believe that by joining with a global network company such as Turkish Airlines, we will set to sign many more successful projects. As an Argentinian, I am happy Turkish Airlines is having another destination Buenos Aires from Istanbul.”
“We have held the title of Europe’s Best Airline now for two consecutive years and it makes perfect sense that we align ourselves with the best and most recognizable sports figures in the word,” said Turkish Airlines Member of the Board, İsmail Gercek. “Signing a global sports star like Messi only solidifies our leading position as one of the world’s fastest growing airlines flying to a record number of countries across the globe.”
In September 2012, Messi shot a commercial for the airline with Kobe Bryant. In the airlines’ latest commercial, the duo –competes to win the attention of a young boy. The latest commercial was a collaborative effort among producers, actors and crew members from Turkey, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States. Shot partly at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport and partly in other countries abroad, the commercial will air worldwide late this year.
In working with Leo Messi, Turkish Airlines will maintain a global focus promoting its award-winning service. Having been named FIFA Best Player in the last three seasons and currently being a finalist for this year’s FIFA player of the year, Messi’s visibility and worldwide popularity will be instrumental in helping Turkish Airlines reach new heights on a global scale.
Aside from this recent announcement, Turkish Airlines has reached several milestones in recent months including adding the 200th aircraft to its growing fleet and flying to 92 countries, more than any other airline in the world.
