London, England, February 5 2010 – “Whoever wins, we’ll be happy. The Six Nations rugby tournament is one of those events that always boosts our business!”
Those are the words of George Galanopoulos, managing director of London Executive Aviation (‘LEA’), as he looks forward to the start of Europe’s largest international rugby union competition.
“Corporate hospitality is such an important part of the world’s major sporting events these days,” continues Galanopoulos. “And if you’re taking your top-level clients to top-level matches, you want them to travel across the UK and Europe in style and comfort. As one of Europe’s largest business jet charter operators, that’s where we come in.”
LEA chief executive Patrick Margetson-Rushmore explains: “An event of this kind, generating travel that criss-crosses Europe, is an ideal platform for our services. As well as corporate hospitality guests, there are lots of successful individuals who enjoy a day at the rugby. They all know that the convenience of private jet travel just can’t be beaten.
“Last year, Ireland just couldn’t be beaten either. And as Grand Slam-defending champions, with a 100% record in 2009, they must be confident of a repeat success. But if Jonny Wilkinson recaptures his old form, England might have something to say about that. Being half-Irish and half-English, I never know who to cheer for when those two teams meet anyway, but at least I know I can’t really lose! And at LEA, we’ve always enjoyed business with southern Europe, so let’s hope our friends from Italy can avoid the wooden spoon this year and win a game or two.”
The Six Nations tournament kicks off this Saturday, February 6, with defending champions Ireland hosting Italy at Croke Park in Dublin, and England later playing Wales at Twickenham. On Sunday, Scotland and France join the fray with their opening game at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium. Matches then continue across Europe – the tournament comprises 15 games in total – until the big finish on Saturday March 20.
