WASHINGTON, DC, 12th May, 2015 (WAM) -- Etihad Airways has signed a legacy partnership agreement with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, MSE, to become the exclusive airline partner of the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, and Verizon Centre.

Etihad Airways will receive a variety of branding opportunities, be featured in numerous multimedia programming and work collaboratively with MSE on several community initiatives to promote and celebrate the international nature of sport in Washington, DC, and Abu Dhabi.

"This relationship is a sign of our long-term commitment to the Washington, DC, market, which we have been serving since 2013," said James Hogan, President And Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, adding, "We are proud to announce this partnership, just as we are proud to connect the two capital cities of Washington, DC, and Abu Dhabi.

"Our daily flights allow American travelers to reach more than 60 cities around the world, flying the world?s leading airline on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, as well as bringing thousands of business travelers and tourists to the US every week."The MSE partnership builds upon Etihad Airways? US sports sponsorship portfolio within which the airline is official airline partner of Major League Soccer and the Nation?s Triathlon, which takes place each year in Washington, DC.

"Etihad Airways is a prestigious international brand known for its hospitality, service and global reach," said Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman and Majority Owner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

He added, "As a legacy partner, Etihad Airways provides that official connection to our diverse and international community and the growing interest in sports worldwide. Our teams are international, our players are international, our city is international and our partnership with Etihad builds on those commonalities." "Etihad Airways embraces the growth and popularity of basketball and hockey worldwide and is committed to driving brand awareness for sports on an international scale," said Raul Fernandez, Vice Chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2015.