Manchester United has selected Malaysia Airlines as the club’s official commercial airline. The partnership was announced by Malaysia Airlines’ group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group, Izham Ismail, at the Matta Fair 2024, a major industry trade fair in Kuala Lumpur.
To celebrate the announcement, former Manchester United defenders Patrice Evra and Wes Brown flew to Kuala Lumpur to attend the event, to share their experiences of travelling the world as both players and ambassadors for the club.
“Manchester United has fans from all over the world, and the passionate support we have here in Asia never fails to impress me,” said Evra. “I am pleased to be able to share our partnership with Malaysia Airlines with those fans and introduce them to the best-in-class service they offer.”
“I am fortunate enough to represent Manchester United at events all over the world,” said Brown. “I have visited Malaysia many times, and I am always blown away by the warm welcome I receive. Malaysia Airlines is a true representation of Malaysia’s friendly culture, and I cannot wait to work with them to engage with our fantastic supporters.”
“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,” said Manchester United CEO of alliances and partnerships Victoria Timpson.
In celebration of the new partnership, they have announced a competition for one lucky fan to win two business class flights to a destination of their choice along with a two-night stay in Manchester, complemented with Manchester United goodies.
“This collaboration brings together two global icons, Malaysia Airlines and Manchester United, and will create unforgettable experiences for our fans and customers,” said Ismail. “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.”
In addition to the partnership, the airline announced three new destinations; Maldives and Da Nang in August, and Chiang Mai in September, 2024. It also announced its new A330neo Elevation business class seats as part of its modernisation plan, which features an all-suite cabin with individual privacy doors and wireless charging pods.