Airline Emirates joins Irish Open sponsors
Emirates has announced it will be the official airline of golf's Irish Open in Portrush.
The Dubai-based airline said its agreement with the Irish Open includes course branding, tournament hospitality and advertising.
The event is taking place from 28 June - 1 July at Royal Portrush.
Emirates joins Moy Park, Dale Farm, BMW and Brewin Dolphin investors as event sponsors. The NI Executive is still set to be the main sponsor at this stage.
"Emirates is a world-class partner that brings added global exposure and prestige to the Irish Open," the commercial director of the Irish Open James Finnigan said.
"This event has massive appeal, attracting audiences from all over the world, so it's appropriate that a like-minded sponsor with an extensive global reach and a strong foothold in golf is on-board."
Salem Obaidalla, of Emirates, added: "We have entered into another major sponsorship, supporting sport in Ireland and connecting with golf enthusiasts around the world."
The Irish Open last came to Northern Ireland in 1953, when it was played at south Belfast's Belvoir Park Golf Club.
The last time Royal Portrush staged a major competition was the Open in 1951.