Glasgow Airport is to be the official sponsor of the 2018 multi-sport European Championships hosted in the city, it was announced today (FRI).

Airport officials said they were looking forward to welcoming the thousands of international visitors and athletes as they arrive in the city for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships in August.

Mascot Bonnie the seal checked in to welcome airport commercial director Francois Bourienne as ‘Official Supporter’ of the first-ever multi-sport event, which is being shared with Berlin.

Glasgow Airport will work on arrivals, departures and transport links to the surrounding venues in the run up to, and during, the Championships, a statement from organisers Glasgow City Council said.

Passengers will also be greeted with the vibrant look and feel of the Championships as they land in Glasgow, inviting them to get involved in 11 days of sporting action and culture from 2 to 12 August.

The value of the sponsorship deal was not revealed as the information was said to be ‘commercially sensitive’; other sponsors include Atos, Gleneagles, Harper Macleod LLP, Avid, NVT Group and Aggreko.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland is famed for its warm welcome across the world and with Glasgow Airport as an official sponsor, the thousands of athletes, officials and spectators set to land here later this year are guaranteed a memorable first impression – setting the tone for the exciting events ahead.

“Scotland is the perfect stage for the first ever European Championships showcasing our cultural heritage, sporting excellence and expertise in staging events to an international audience.”

Glasgow City Council Depute Leader Cllr, David McDonald said: “With 8,000 athletes, officials and media, as well as huge numbers of spectators expected to arrive in Glasgow and Scotland for the European Championships, this is the year we bring in a new era in world sport and put on a fantastic show for all of our visitors. We will show, once again, that people make Glasgow and as we countdown to this brand new event, the year is off to a flying start.”

Francois Bourienne, Glasgow Airport’s commercial director, said: “We are thrilled to come on board as an official sponsor of the inaugural 2018 European Championships.

“This will be the biggest sporting event the country has seen since the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which were a tremendous success and placed Glasgow firmly on the map as a gateway to Scotland.

“The 2014 Games also showcased to the world that Scotland can not only host major sporting events superbly well, but that it can do so with its own unique warmth and style. The summer of 2014 was an unforgettable experience and there was a real buzz around the airport as the world descended on Glasgow.

“I’m in no doubt the 2018 European Championships will be equally successful and the team here at Glasgow Airport is looking forward to welcoming the thousands of athletes, officials and supporters who will pass through our doors this summer.”

Attendances of up to 250,000 are expected at venues across Scotland for the staging of the first ever European Championships which will see some of the best athletes in Europe compete in Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon.