Aer Arann Announce Sponsorship of Sunderland’s Pre Season Tour of Ireland

Dublin, Ireland, April 25, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Aer Arann, Ireland’s leading regional airline has today announced sponsorship of Sunderland AFC’s pre season tour of Ireland. Sunderland AFC has confirmed that the Club will travel to Ireland to play three friendly fixtures as part of the team’s pre-season preparations this summer. The tour, sponsored by Aer Arann who will be flying the team from Newcastle and throughout their tour in Ireland, will see Roy Keane’s side take on Bohemians, Cork City and Galway United in a week-long visit.

The games will take place as follows:

Saturday July 28th 2007, Bohemians FC v. Sunderland AFC, 7:45pm kick off

Monday July 30th 2007, Cork City FC v. Sunderland AFC, 7:45pm kick off

Wednesday August 1st 2007, Galway United FC v. Sunderland AFC, 8:00pm kick off

SAFC Chairman Niall Quinn said: “We are very honoured to bring Sunderland on this summer tour of Ireland, courtesy of Aer Arann. There’s a marvellous feeling of goodwill between Sunderland and the Irish public and this trip will complement the progress at the Club since Drumaville’s takeover last summer.

“We’re sure the tour will be fantastic for the Club and its supporters and there has already been tremendous amount of interest from Sunderland fans wishing to make the journey to Ireland with us.”

This is the first major soccer sponsorship deal for Aer Arann in the UK, which operates over 600 flights per week across 39 routes in Ireland, the UK and France.

Commenting on the announcement Colin Lewis, Head of Sales and Marketing, Aer Arann said: “We are delighted to be coming on board as official sponsor of Sunderland's pre season tour of Ireland. There are obvious Irish connections with Sunderland and we certainly welcome the opportunity to work with them as we grow our routes in the UK market. We know this tour of Ireland is going to be very successful and the announcement comes at a time when we all wish Sunderland the best in their charge towards the premiership."

Aer Arann has recently announced flights from Galway to Newcastle starting on the 25th June 2007.

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Notes to Editors:

Aer Arann

Aer Arann flew in excess of 1 million customers in 2006 and currently operates over 600 flights per week across 39 routes in Ireland, the UK and France. The company employs over 400 staff and has experienced substantial growth over the past year with the launch of seven new routes as well as increases in flight frequency. Aer Arann also announced in 2006 that it would take delivery of 10 new ATR 72-500 series aircraft by 2009 in a deal worth $180 million.