SunExpress and Eintracht Frankfurt Will End Partnership

SunExpress and Eintracht Frankfurt are ending their successful partnership as the 2024/25 season draws to a close.

A success story that began back in 2017, the collaboration was marked by unforgettable moments and emotional highlights on the pitch. Eintracht reached the DFB Cup final in Berlin three times during their partnership with SunExpress – in 2017, 2018 and 2023. When they returned to Frankfurt with the trophy in 2018, the pilot of the Eagles’ jet memorably brandished the cup out of the cockpit window – an image that travelled around the world.

There was no shortage of European success during the partnership either. After Eintracht’s Europa League victory in Seville in 2022, a specially branded SunExpress jet flew the triumphant Eagles back to Frankfurt with the trophy in tow. Trips to Rome, Milan, London and several other European cities are not only remembered fondly by the players, but by all the Eintracht fans who love to support the team away from home.

Off the pitch, two SunExpress planes bearing spectacular Eintracht designs left particularly lasting impressions. Co-designed by Eagles fans, they not only brought great joy to supporters of the club but to countless holidaymakers. The aircraft made nearly 8,000 flights in total, transporting over 1.2 million passengers.

“It was a special partnership during which we made emotional memories that will never be forgotten – particularly the DFB Cup win in 2018 with our triumphant return in the Eintracht plane,” said Axel Hellmann, CEO of Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG. “From European trips to special jets decked out in Eintracht designs, SunExpress has set the bar. We’d like to express our sincere gratitude for a collaboration that was always trusting and constructive.” 

“Our partnership with Eintracht has always been a matter close to our hearts,” added Max Kownatzki, CEO of SunExpress, adding: “We look back with pride on the years we spent together and thank Eintracht Frankfurt and the fans for all the unforgettable moments, their passion and their loyalty. Eintracht is a partner with whom we’ve continued to grow and share an extraordinary success story. We wish the club continued success on and off the pitch.” 

About SunExpress

Founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines and with 35 years of leisure airline expertise, SunExpress acts as a tourism ambassador between Turkey and Europe. It operates 237 routes to 92 destinations across 35 countries, carrying nearly 15 million passengers every year. With headquarters in Antalya and Frankfurt, and bases in Izmir and Ankara, SunExpress boasts over 4,400 employees. For further information about SunExpress, visit http://www.sunexpress.com.