The Australian Open and Emirates Airlines have renewed their highly successful global partnership.
Emirates will remain the Official Airline of the Australian Open until 2029, with this year marking a decade of the longstanding partnership.
In 2025, the partnership will extend outside of the Australian Open and make a meaningful impact in local communities in need.
Emirates and the Australian Tennis Foundation have teamed up on an initiative funded by the airline’s ‘Force for Good’ program. Emirates is investing $2.25 million over five years to inspire brighter futures for disadvantaged children and young people through tennis.
The program will be rolled out across five key Australian cities, targeting children and young people from vulnerable backgrounds who may otherwise not have the opportunity to engage with the sport.
Using tennis as a powerful tool to promote both physical and mental wellbeing, the partnership aims to foster a sense of belonging for disadvantaged youth.
Over the next five years, the initiative will deliver free tennis programs in these cities, offering a structured and supportive environment where young participants can develop not only their sporting skills but also essential life skills such as resilience, teamwork and social connection. Through this collaboration, Emirates and the ATF aim to break down barriers, providing these young people with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
“We are delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with Emirates, which has been a cornerstone of the Australian Open and Tennis Australia for more than a decade,” Australian Open Tournament Director and Tennis Australia CEO, Craig Tiley said.
“This renewed commitment reinforces the vital role Emirates plays in connecting our players, people and events to the rest of the world.
“We are especially pleased to announce the new Emirates’ Force for Good initiative, which alongside the Australian Tennis Foundation, will provide opportunities and support for disadvantaged young people across the country.”
More details about the Emirates’ Force for Good initiative will be announced in the new year.
“We are excited to join forces with Emirates to support social impact initiatives across Australia,” Executive Director, Australian Tennis Foundation, Vicki Reid said.
“The multi-year partnership will uplift and support tens of thousands of disadvantaged young people through the power of tennis."
The Emirates partnership with Tennis Australia has been very successful.
“Our five-year renewal with Tennis Australia on top of an existing decade-long partnership is another demonstration of Emirates’ longstanding commitment to Australia, in line with almost three decades of service since our inaugural flight to Melbourne,” Emirates’ Divisional Vice President Australasia, Barry Brown said.
“We’re proud to work with Tennis Australia to connect incredible players to fans both globally and on the ground in Australia. The Australian Open is an event that sits at the cornerstone of Australia’s sporting calendar, and we are excited to provide fans with unique experiences for the next edition and in the years ahead.”
The AO Ballpark presented by Emirates will again offer an immersive tennis experience, featuring fun tennis activities for kids and families. With activities for children as young as two, the AO Ballpark premieres on Kids Tennis Day, Saturday 11 January, and is open throughout the tournament.
The AO Ballpark will be themed as an airport and includes a variety of interactive games and activities, including the Emirates Explorers and Little Traveller zones.