Emirates brought its signature premium onboard experience to the football stadium during the AC Milan–Inter derby on October 31, creating a unique connection between aviation and sport at San Siro in Milan. In collaboration with AC Milan, the airline installed its iconic Business Class seats in the stadium’s VIP stands, giving football fans a glimpse of its renowned inflight hospitality in an unexpected setting.
The special activation also celebrated Brazilian football legend Ricardo Kaka, who became the first recipient of the AC Milan Hall of Fame Best Playmaker award presented by Emirates. The initiative combined a memorable fan experience with recognition of one of the club’s celebrated players, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the airline and the Italian football club.
Emirates Brings Its Premium Cabin Experience to San Siro
The installation transformed part of the stadium’s VIP area into a showcase of Emirates’ signature Business Class experience. By bringing its aircraft seats from Dubai to San Siro, the airline introduced football supporters to an element of its premium onboard product beyond the traditional airport and aircraft environment.
The activation attracted further attention when stadium cameras captured Kaka seated in one of the Emirates Business Class seats, casually reading a copy of the Dubai Journal. The unexpected appearance delighted AC Milan supporters, who applauded and cheered as the club legend appeared in the stands. The moment created a distinctive promotional experience, connecting the airline’s premium travel offering with the excitement of one of Italian football’s biggest fixtures.
Kaka Receives AC Milan Hall of Fame Recognition
The special appearance also provided the setting for a significant moment in Kaka’s association with AC Milan. He received the AC Milan Hall of Fame trophy presented by Emirates after being recognised by fans as one of the club’s outstanding midfielders, alongside football legends Ruud Gullit and Carlo Ancelotti. Kaka’s recognition as the first recipient of the club’s Hall of Fame Best Playmaker award celebrates his contribution to AC Milan and his place in the club’s football history. Through the initiative, Emirates and AC Milan brought together the airline’s premium hospitality experience and the legacy of a player who remains widely admired by the club’s global fan base.
Emirates and AC Milan Continue Long-Standing Partnership
Emirates’ partnership with AC Milan began in 2007, making it one of the longest-running relationships between an airline and a football club. The airline serves as the club’s Principal Partner and Official Airline Partner, with its iconic ‘Fly Better’ branding appearing on AC Milan jerseys. The collaboration extends beyond matchday sponsorship, allowing Emirates to connect the club, its players and supporters across international markets.
Activities such as the San Siro Business Class installation demonstrate how the partnership brings the airline’s products and hospitality closer to football audiences through distinctive experiences. Both Emirates and AC Milan have established strong international recognition in their respective industries. Their collaboration reflects the shared global reach of aviation and football, two sectors that connect people across countries and cultures.
Emirates Expands Global Sports and Cultural Partnerships
The AC Milan collaboration forms part of Emirates’ extensive international sponsorship portfolio, which covers football, tennis, cricket, rugby, golf, sailing, cycling, basketball and horse racing, as well as music, arts and cultural events. In football, Emirates’ partnerships include Arsenal FC, Real Madrid CF, AC Milan, S.L. Benfica and Olympique Lyonnais, while the airline also serves as Platinum Partner to FC Bayern Munich’s first team. It has also supported major competitions, including The FA Cup, and the UAE Pro League for the 2026/2027 season.
Beyond football, the airline supports international sporting events and organisations, including the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the ATP and WTA Dubai Duty Free Championships, the Dubai World Cup, major ICC cricket events, Rugby World Cup competitions, the NBA, SailGP and the DP World Tour. Through these partnerships, Emirates continues to strengthen its international brand presence and engage with audiences through shared sporting and cultural interests. The San Siro activation underlines the airline’s approach to combining sports partnerships with customer experiences, bringing its premium travel identity into global sporting events while celebrating the personalities and traditions that connect clubs with their supporters.
