Asian Paralympic Committee lands Qatar Airways deal

Qatar’s national carrier Qatar Airways has entered into a partnership with the Asian Paralympic Committee.

The agreement, financial terms of which were not disclosed, will cover the 2016 Paralympic Games, which will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from September 7-18.

As part of the deal, the airline will provide flights for the “wider Asian Paralympic family” at preferential rates. Asian-based National Paralympic Committees travelling to Rio will receive access to offers on Qatar Airways flights from their respective countries. The deal will incorporate athletes’ friends, families and supporters.

The deal marks the first major partnership agreed by the new APC Board since it came into power in 2014. The APC said the initial agreement could be extended if successful.

APC chief executive Tarek Souei said: “Through this agreement with Qatar Airways, the APC would like to invite more companies and service providers from the Asian region to support the athletes and facilitate their preparations and participation in major sporting events including Paralympics, world and regional competitions.”