Malaysia Airlines becomes Manchester United’s official commercial airline

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Manchester United have sealed a multi-year partnership, designating the carrier as the football club’s official commercial airline.

The collaboration, unveiled at a trade fair in Kuala Lumpur on Friday (22 March), was celebrated as a convergence of two global icons.

Speaking at the event, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, Izham Ismail, emphasized the significance of partnering with globally renowned clubs like Manchester United.

“Collaborating with globally recognized clubs like Manchester United puts Malaysia Airlines in front of the global community, while also enhancing our brand, particularly in Europe and Southeast Asia where the club has a large fan base from around the world,” he said.

Izham expressed optimism about the prospects of this collaboration, anticipating the excitement it would generate among football enthusiasts worldwide.

“Just like football, which unites people from all over the world in the journey of life, transcending borders and cultures, travel also has the power to connect us in similar ways.

“Through this partnership, Malaysia Airlines is ready to extend the renowned Malaysian Hospitality to over 1.1 billion Manchester United fans and followers worldwide, including 577 million of its fans within our key markets.

“This is also to leverage joint brand marketing initiatives to enhance brand recognition among diverse global audiences, while delivering quality services and deep experiences involving both brands,” he added.

Manchester United’s Chief Executive Officer of Alliances and Partnerships, Victoria Timpson, also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the club’s longstanding connection with Malaysia and the passionate support it receives from across the country.

Timpson welcomed Malaysia Airlines into the partner family, expressing eagerness to share the club’s journey with its global fan base while ensuring friendly services.

“Manchester United has a long-standing and proud connection with Malaysia, with a history of passionate support from across the country,” she said.

“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.

“We are delighted to welcome Malaysia Airlines as part of our partner family and look forward to sharing with our trusted global fans and providing friendly services,” she added.

Additionally, the event witnessed the presence of legendary Manchester United players Patrice Evra and Wes Brown, who experienced Malaysia Airlines’ service firsthand during their journey to Kuala Lumpur.

“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.

The announcement regarding Malaysia Airlines’ partnership as the Official Commercial Airline Partner of Manchester United was shared on the airline’s Facebook page on Friday, 22 March.

The post has garnered considerable engagement, amassing over 2,600 likes and 1,100 shares at the time of writing