Saudia unveils esports-liveried jet as EWC 2026 airline partner

Saudia has been named the official airline partner of the Esports World Cup 2026 and revealed a specially branded commercial aircraft at Saudia Technic in Jeddah. The jet will operate daily between Riyadh and Paris for the duration of the tournament and remain in Saudia’s international network for two years after the event.

The 2026 Esports World Cup will be held in Paris, the first edition staged outside Saudi Arabia. Saudia said the branded aircraft will serve tournament travel needs and act as a visible link between the host cities during the competition.

The carrier is running a set of travel initiatives to move players, fans, content creators, clubs and event staff between Riyadh and Paris. Saudia reported it has already flown thousands of staff members, selected “Superfans,” creators and players to Paris, and it expects further flights in the weeks ahead.

Selected fans receiving travel support are part of the EWC Superfan programme. Saudia said it is also bringing content creators from the Middle East and North Africa to cover the event for regional audiences.

Onboard and lounge viewing options will include Esports World Cup content through Saudia’s BEYOND inflight entertainment system, including the documentary Esports World Cup: Level Up. Saudia also plans to screen some live tournament broadcasts in its airport lounges during the competition.

The partnership includes a community Fortnite tournament built around a new map that features a branded airport and Saudia aircraft modeled on the EWC livery. Winners of that competition will receive tickets to attend EWC 2026 in Paris.

Francois Desir, director of sponsorship and advertising at the Esports Foundation, said: “Our expanded partnership with Saudia allows us to extend the experience beyond the competition, connecting communities from Saudi Arabia to Paris and celebrating esports throughout the journey.” Ibrahim Binaquil, head of marketing at Saudia Group, added that the airline aims to connect people with events that create lasting memories and strengthen cultural exchange.

The 2026 agreement extends a partnership that began in 2025. Saudia has also worked with Saudi gaming and content organisation POWR Esports on projects combining gaming, travel and entertainment.