Turkish Airlines consider Pro12 sponsor link-up

Turkish Airlines could be poised to succeed RaboDirect as sponsors of the Pro12 tournament.

The airline is one of two international companies in negotiations with Celtic Rugby in the battle to fill the void left by the Dutch multinational banking and financial services company, whose deal ends this season.

Turkish Airlines believe a rugby linkup could help drive passenger numbers in the EU. The company began operations from Dublin to Istanbul with two flights a week six years ago, and now fly 12 times a week on the route. They’re also challenging for the lucrative onward worldwide market.

Sporting tie ins are nothing new to Turkish Airlines who have had deals with Barcelona, Manchester United, NBA star Kobe Bryant and Rory McIlroy’s fiancee Caroline Wozniacki.