Bangkok--20 Mar--Total Quality PR
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, which operates twice daily popular flights from Bangkok to Abu Dhabi, is to be a main sponsor for the Spyker Formula 1 Grand Prix racing team.
The airline’s chief executive officer James Hogan today signed a three-year partnership with Spyker Formula 1 in Melbourne.
The Spyker F1 team announced that Aldar, Abu Dhabi’s leading integrated property development company, will also be a main sponsor.
Mr Hogan explained that Formula 1 is a complete global platform with a vast television following and that securing a title sponsorship with one of the 11 teams will launch the airline to a completely new level of consumer awareness, especially ahead of Abu Dhabi hosting a Grand Prix for the first time in 2009.
He said: “Spyker is a small team determined to make a big mark in Formula 1 and all of us at Etihad are excited at the prospect of seeing Christian Albers and Adrian Sutil wear our livery and drive in the Etihad Aldar Spyker F1 team this season”.
Colin Kolles, Etihad Aldar Spyker’s team principal and managing director, said the partnership marks the start of a new era for the team and guarantees stability and financial security for the coming years.
“We are proud to be associated with Etihad, one of Abu Dhabi’s major brands, a company that has shown a determination and desire to succeed in its industry sector. This drive matches Spyker’s philosophy and brand values perfectly and I hope we will both continue to progress together for many years.”
Both Etihad Airways and Aldar logos will have primary branding on the team’s cars from Australia onwards, and on team clothing and driver overalls from the Malaysian Grand Prix at the beginning of April.
Etihad’s involvement becomes the latest high-profile sports sponsorship for the airline, and complements existing commitments to the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships, F1 Powerboat racing and Al Jazira Sports Club.
Notes to editors: For images of the new Etihad Aldar Spyker liveried car, please visit www.spykerf1images.com .
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi.
Currently Etihad offers flights to 38 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications:
Tel: + 971 (0) 2505 8006 / 8336 / 8055 or visit www.etihadairways.com
For more information as well as pictures, please contact:
Tom Van Blarcom / Malarat Chartvivatpornchai
Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd
Tel. 02 260 5820 Fax 02 260 5847 — 8
E-mail : [email protected]
Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net