The Dodgers Have 'Official Airlines' In Two Asian Countries
The Los Angeles Dodgers announce a multi-year deal with All Nippon Airways (ANA), as the team's Official Japanese Airline Partner. ANA becomes the second Asian airline to partner with the Dodgers this season, following Taiwan's STARLUX Airlines.
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a multi-year agreement with Japan’s largest five-star airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), to make the Tokyo-based company the team’s Official Japanese Airline Partner.
“The Dodgers are excited to take flight with All Nippon Airways as a corporate partner for the 2024 season and beyond," said Lon Rosen, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers. “We are taking advantage of several of our platforms to showcase the ANA brand. Together, these displays will drive brand exposure for ANA to more than four million in-stadium fans and millions of fans watching from home.”
All Nippon Airways is the second Asian-based airline to partner with the Dodgers this season. Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines and the Dodgers agreed to a three-year extension in January, renewing the airline's "Proud Partner" status.
The history of the Dodgers and Asian countries dates back to 1956 when the team toured Japan. Longtime owner Walter O'Malley built practice fields and a stadium in Beijing in the 1980s to help promote the brand and the game. He also organized clinics in China and South Korea.
Los Angeles signed the first Korean-born MLB player, Chan Ho Park, in 1994 and the first Japanese-born MLB player, Hideo Nomo, in 1995.
In 1998, the Dodgers became the first Major League team to open an office in Asia.
Now, employing two Japanese-born superstars (Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto) brings the relationship full circle. Both players have brought excitement and an increased interest to the Dodgers' brand overseas.
With their long-term contracts, this could be a way to keep fans connected with travel options to watch their favorite players at Dodger Stadium.
