A MIDDLE East airline has given a double boost to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Emirates has been named as an official Games partner after signing a major contract which also earned it the right to be the official airline for the prestigious Queen's baton relay.

The financial details are not being made public but less than six weeks ago the airline agreed to pay £5 million to Glasgow City Council for the naming rights to the £113 million Commonwealth Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Dalmarnock.

The complex is to be known as the Emirates Arena for the next 10 years, but last night it was not clear what the benefits of the latest deal will be to the public or competitors.

Games chiefs say details are currently being thrashed out with the Dubai-based airline, and that up for discussion are topics such as whether free or cheap flights will be offered to the 4500 athletes who are due to jet in to Glasgow in two years time.

There will be 71 countries represented at the Games and the airline currently operates in 23 of them.

Traditionally, ahead of the Games, a message of goodwill from the Queen is delivered to each of the participating countries.

Since Emirates doesn't fly to all Commonwealth countries, the talks are also focusing on how best to deliver her Majesty's message to all 71 territories.

A Glasgow 2014 spokesman said: "Both Emirates and Glasgow 2014 are keen to maximise the opportunities this partnership presents."

The involvement of one of the world's top airlines was welcomed by First Minister Alex Salmond when the announcement was made at Glasgow Airport.

He said: "It is excellent to have such a prestigious sponsor as Emirates on board to help us deliver a fantastic Commonwealth Games.

"Its involvement underlines the global reach that the 2014 Games will have."

Lord Smith, chairman of the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, described the deal as a "compelling partnership."

He said: "These Games create a world-class festival of elite sport and culture but also wider collaborations and further opportunities for Scotland on a global scale."

Richard Jewsbury, a senior vice president at the airline, added: "These partnerships are particularly significant for Emirates as we currently fly to 23 Commonwealth countries, enabling us to connect athletes and spectators from across the globe to the Glasgow Games."

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk