NEW YORK: Emirates Airline, for the seventh year in a row, is the Official Airline of the 2018 US Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. From August 25 to September 9, Emirates engaged with guests and tennis fans through its sponsorship, providing a look into the award-winning service that has fueled the airline’s expansion to twelve U.S. gateways and over 160 destinations across the globe.
Emirates played host to the stars at the 2018 US Open in Flushing Meadows, Queens in New York City. Celebrities joined Emirates in the private hospitality suite and cheered on tennis pros from the suite’s terrace with a prime center-court vantage point in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Oscar nominated actors Michael Keaton and Michael Shannon were in attendance at the Emirates suite, along with actors including Pierce Brosnan, Sophie Turner, Armie Hammer, Priyanka Chopra, Jeffrey Wright and Gladys Knight. The Today Shows’ Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager along with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky also made an appearance at the Emirates suite.
Emirates also hosted models Ashley Graham, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Sara Sampaio and celebrities Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas.
Throughout the US Open and to highlight Emirates’ superior service both in the air and on the ground, Emirates organised a variety of activities to engage with tennis fans in several areas at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center – including Emirates’ private hospitality suite, the Emirates Booth and the Emirates Sports Café.
Emirates Suite
Offering one of the most sought-after hospitality experiences at the US Open, the Emirates suite offered guests a perfect setting to relax and connect, enjoy premium culinary and beverage service while watching world-class tennis with a prime center-court view.
Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand for Emirates said: “The inspiration behind the hospitality suite design is ‘connections’, bringing to life the connection between Emirates, the US Open and fans worldwide.”
The Emirates suite offered one of the best dining experiences for its guests onsite. The premium food and beverage offerings include a buffet of gourmet dishes like tuna tartar, seared salmon and an assortment of fresh salads. It is also the only space that had a private sushi chef throughout the entire tournament. Emirates also celebrated its long-standing relationship with Moet Hennessy, featuring private champagne tastings paired with canapes to showcase the sparkling offerings in Emirates airport lounges and inflight. Emirates equally used the suite to promote its recent direct route launch from Newark to Dubai and used the opportunity to highlight its Indian offering to passengers.
The Emirates Booth
Located along the South Gate Plaza, the Emirates booth served as a welcoming and educational experience for all guests at the US Open. The airline’s award-winning Cabin Crew welcomed fans and encouraged them to take pictures in front of the Dubai landmarks and post them on social media using the hashtag, #EmiratesAce for a chance to win a trip to Dubai, Emirates’ hub.
Across the walls was a map showcasing Emirates’ tennis sponsorships from around the globe, including the Australian Open, Rogers Cup and the Mutua Madrid Open. Guests were also provided with iPads throughout the booth to learn more about Emirates’ flight opportunities and premium services and offerings.
Emirates Sports Café
Located on the west side of the South Plaza, the Emirates Sports Café invited guests to watch the matches and enjoy an assortment of food and beverage offerings. The spacious setting and laid-back environment was an ideal space for fans to unwind while still keeping track of the matches. The Café was available for all ticket holders and opened for lunch and dinner throughout the US Open. Sports Desk
