CORNWALL RLFC has said it is delighted to announce its first official airline partner after scoring a new sponsorship deal with the UK’s largest regional airline, Loganair. 

The deal, which has been described as 'ground-breaking,' is in place for the 2023 season with the partnership including complimentary flights between Newquay and Manchester, boosting connectivity for the team as it competes in Betfred League One, and the Betfred Challenge Cup. 

The flights will also be used by players travelling for training and match days in Cornwall, as for professional and personal reasons, several members of our squad will be based in the north.

The news follows the relaunch of Loganair’s Manchester Airport to Cornwall Airport Newquay service as part of its summer schedule, operating from Friday, February 10 to Saturday, October 28. This service makes a welcome return for rugby fans travelling to support their team and connecting holidaymakers from the south coast to the north-west of England.

Part of this sponsorship deal sees Loganair’s distinctive logo feature on the Choughs’ new home and away kit, which will be visible around at the club’s home base of the Memorial Ground Penryn, along with the host venues of other League 1 clubs. 

Commenting on this exciting new partnership, believed to be the only one of its kind in European professional rugby league currently, Rob Butland, head of commercial and development at Cornwall RLFC, said: "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Loganair. 

“Cornwall RLFC is fully committed to the Duchy both as an exciting location to live and work and as a desirable destination for visitors.  

“We know that many away supporters will once use Loganair when visiting the us for games and we are grateful for their assistance in transporting a small number of our squad who, for professional reasons, will remain in the North during the week and connect with us for games and key training sessions. 

“It is because of Loganair's commitment to regional connectivity that these players are able to fulfil their potential as professional rugby league players whilst continuing their careers in other parts of the country."

Luke Lovegrove, Loganair’s chief commercial officer, added: “Supporting and connecting communities across the UK is really important to us at Loganair. 

“With that in mind, it is great to announce this sponsorship and be appointed as Cornwall RLFC’s official airline partner as they benefit from our newly relaunched route to Manchester. 

“We are committed to serving Cornwall and are very much looking forward to working with the team this season and wish them the best of luck.”