Bangkok--9 Apr--AIRASIA
Asia’s leading and largest low cost airline, AirAsia is pleased to announce that it has sealed a partnership as AT&T Williams’ Official Airline for three years with effect from the 2007 Formula One World Championship.
Formed in 1977, AT&T Williams is one of the world’s leading Formula 1 teams with 16 FIA Formula One World Championship titles thus far. The sponsorship will see the AirAsia brand prominently displayed on the drivers’ helmets of Nico Rosberg and Alex Wurz, and on the nose of the car. The AT&T Williams sponsorship is AirAsia’s second international sponsorship deal which forms part of its long term branding strategy to build a global brand.
Dato Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “This is a very exciting development for AirAsia in terms of strengthening our presence across a different market segment. The relationship with AT&T Williams will assist in spreading the word about our airline, which has been a great success in the Asia Pacific region and the sponsorship addresses our commitment towards building the AirAsia brand, and this time beyond Asia. We are very pleased to partner such an august team with heritage as well as competitive form and we are looking forward to a strong inaugural race here in Kuala Lumpur.”
AT&T Williams Team Principal, Sir Frank Williams said, “We are immensely proud to have AirAsia as the latest addition to our partner portfolio. From a standing start, AirAsia now carries more passengers than Singapore Airlines in a matter of five years and is a very impressive organization with clear global ambition. We look forward to assisting this ongoing international growth and of course the team using AirAsia’s services for the significant number of races we now attend in locations served by the airline.”
Dato’ Tony added, “Our rationale to sponsor Williams is to associate our AirAsia brand with Formula One as it is the epitome of technology. One of our brand strategies is also to promote our brand overseas and to reach people via sports marketing and Formula 1 provides an ideal platform for this. We also share the same values as Williams namely quality product, technological precision, world-class performance and efficiency. Williams’ sheer determination and spirit are definitely an inspiration for all of us in AirAsia.”
About AirAsia
AirAsia revolutionized air travel in the region to become the leading and largest low fare airline in Asia. Entering into its 5th year, AirAsia to date has an astounding fleet size of 52 aircraft, an achievement the young airline is proud to carry. AirAsia together with its associates Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia have carried over 30 million passengers. The airline’s extensive network presently serves over 80 domestic and international routes to Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China (Xiamen & Macau), Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmmar and the Philippines.
In 2006, AirAsia added 15 aircraft to its fleet, seven of which are the brand new Airbus A320 aircraft. The aircraft proves to be a winning choice as AirAsia guests enjoy bigger seating capacity, wider aisle, greater comfort and quieter ride. Airbus A320 is reputed for being the most modern and sophisticated aircraft of its class, with high reliability and low operating costs. With 17 Airbus A320 in hand now, AirAsia looks forward to 133 more to add to its fleet, making it the largest, youngest and most modern fleet in the region.
For more information, log on to www.airasia.com .
About AT&T Williams
Wiliams F1, formed in 1977, are recognized as one of the most enduring and successful organizations in sport. Of their 16 FIA World Championships, 9 have been Constructors Championships and 7 Drivers Championship. Some of the most famous F1 drivers have sat behind the steering wheel for Williams, including Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and the late Aryton Senna.
Sir Frank Williams, co-owner, is widely accepted as one of the greatest figures in motor sport. His endeavours with Williams F1 earned him a knighthood and the Legion d’Honneur. Based at the Gore in Oxfordshire, AT&T Wiliams currently employ 500 people in the pursuit of racing glory. They are the only independent Formula One team existing solely to go racing, true racing purists.
For further information, MEDIA please contact:
Janet Leow Andrea Liong
Senior Executive — Media Relations Executive — Media Relations
Corporate Communications Corporate Communications
My Office No : 603 8660 4265 603 8660 4287
My Email No : [email protected] [email protected]