KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Manchester United have inked a multi-year partnership which will see the carrier serve as the football club’s official commercial airline.
Group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group Izham Ismail said on Friday (Mar 22) that the collaboration brings together two global icons.
“Aligning with a globally recognised club like United places Malaysia Airlines in front of a massive worldwide audience, significantly boosting brand recognition, especially in Europe and Southeast Asia where United has a large fanbase,” he said at a trade fair in Kuala Lumpur, where the deal was unveiled.
Izham said MAS looks forward to the exciting opportunities this collaboration brings and the joy it will bring to football enthusiasts worldwide.
Also speaking at the event was Manchester United’s chief executive officer of alliances and partnerships, Victoria Timpson, who said: “Manchester United has a long-standing and proud connection with Malaysia, with a history of passionate support from across the country.
“We have three official Malaysian supporter’s clubs, with the Kuala Lumpur branch boasting one of the club’s largest supporter communities, reflecting the country’s love of all things United.”
Manchester United also said in a statement on its official website that former defenders Patrice Evra and Wes Brown flew to Kuala Lumpur to attend the event.
“Wes and I travelled here on Malaysia Airlines, and I would like to thank them for such a comfortable journey. From the food to the comfortable seats and friendly service, everything was perfect,” said Evra.
