Regional budget carrier AirAsia has been unveiled as the official airline of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) in a three-year sponsorship deal worth an estimated $600,000 annually.

The tie-up, which was announced at a media briefing at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday, includes travel sponsorship, marketing, youth development and discounted travel for Singapore fans.

Under the deal, which replaces FAS' previous arrangement with Tiger Airways, AirAsia will sponsor flights for FAS squads when they train and compete overseas. This applies to the national squad as well as the National Football Academy youth sides, the Young Lions as well as the national women's team.

AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes, who is also the chairman of English Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers (QPR), said that the partnership will also enable selected Singaporean youngsters to spend time in the UK to hone their skills. The FAS can also send its referees over for training and exposure.