Manchester United has inked a multi-year global partnership with Malaysia Airlines as its new official commercial airline.
Malaysia’s flag carrier replaces Russian airline Aeroflot as the Premier League outfit’s airline partner.
United cut ties with Aeroflot following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, cancelling a six-year, reported £40m deal and ending a near decade-long association that started in 2013.
Further details on the value and duration of the new agreement were not revealed.
In light of the new deal, United and Malaysia Airlines are offering United fans the chance to win a hospitality experience at Old Trafford, business class flights, as well as personalised kits and passes to see the first team train.
The Red Devils have a significant fan-base in Malaysia, which is home to three supporters’ clubs. Of these, the Kuala Lumpur branch is one of the club’s largest fan communities.
Malaysia Airlines will look to leverage United’s international fanbase of 1.1 billion to expand its global reach.
Victoria Simpson, Manchester United’s CEO of Alliances and Partnerships, said, “Manchester United has a long-standing and proud connection with Malaysia, with a history of passionate support from across the country.
“We are very pleased to welcome Malaysia Airlines to our family of partners and look forward to sharing with our global fans its trusted, welcoming and hospitable service.”
Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, added “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.
“We look forward to the exciting opportunities this collaboration brings and the joy it will bring to football enthusiasts worldwide.”
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