Tony Fernandes CEO Blog

AWW! The world's first AirAsia-Man U jersey!

Wow Tony!! This is HUGE!!! If I were you, of course I'd do it in a jiff, but again the question is, at what cost? You guys are already sponsoring the ref's shirts.. When is that ending? Or maybe put the AirAsiaX logo on the jerseys for a better brand fit? Hmmmmm.. just my 2 cents.. Well, I wish LiverpoolFC owners or the management would think of approaching AirAsia instead.. Now you know where my allegiance is, but heck, my wife, brothers etc are ManU supporters... Errrr, may we get some free jerseys once AirAisa has done the deal? :) Ed @ BFM ps: check out my blog post featuring you here: http://a070707a.blogspot.com/2008/12/on-tony-fernandes-and-malaysian-brands.html

Hi Tony,

I feel that this is a super great deal though you are a West Ham supporter.

Nevertheless , hope it will not be too costly ..... I think you should go for it .... This is because Man Utd does not only play premiership games, they also play in the European champions league which will help us build curiosity in the Europeans to find out more about AirAsia and of course AirAsia X.

The idea is to get Europeans to fly AirAsia X to Malaysia, and continue to fly AirAsia to the destination that we fly from there....

Good luck .....

It will be nice to see "a great team matched with a great sponsor ..... like AirAsia "

Tony, it's glad if we see AirAsia brand is printed on MU's shirt. HOWEVER, MY PERSONAL COMMENT IS: I STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH THIS. Money has to come from somewhere in order to sponsor this program. Where does the AirAsia's main source of income from? Oh please, don't tell us that after putting the logo on MU Shirt, the AirAsia's turnover will be doubled.... no one can guarantee that right especially during current economy downturn. Cheers!

Dear Tony, I feel we (air asia) should commit to the said MU shirt sponsorship deal. if the amount is too high, maybe we could cutback on other big advertising deals which will not hurt us, as i truly feel a deal like this will only come up very very rarely and I strongly feel that, this is recognition of where we are today and where we will be tomorrow. Go for it sir. rgds hardeep.

Although I am very much a hardcore Liverpool fan and every inch of my body and soul burns every single time I board our aircraft bearing the MU logo ..... I must say this even if it hurts me to.... Tony, I think you should go ahead with it and its a damn good move. I am pretty sure that all of us would be proud that AirAsia can put its name on the jersey of one ( Oh dear Kop fans, please dont be mad at me for saying this!) of the biggest clubs in the world. Nevertheless, this wont stop me from wishing and dreaming that one day I will see the wordings " You Will Never Walk Alone " on our aircraft and merchandise.... ha ha ha.
Well done again.

I think it's up to you and your management to decide. Of course ,it may be "shiok" to see a Malaysian company logo on the world's most famous football club, I'm sure it'll a topic most Malaysians (for the guys at least) would boast and brag about for some time. To draw parallel, did AIG drew any benefit by sponsoring MU jerseys. Did Chang beer see any increase in business by sponsoring Everton? You're the marketing maverick, you tell us.

Wow! Good News! AirAsia is Ready 'To Fly'! Malaysia Boleh, AirAsia Lagi Boleh!

Like I mentioned earlier in your blog (http://www.tonyfernandesblog.com/main.php/2009/02/08/its-that-time-of-the-week-again#comments) about AirAsia grabbing the Man United shirt sponsorship as AIG is pulling out. GO FOR IT, TONY!!! Imagine the mileage it will fetch AirAsia! Even the Playstation football games; like FIFA09 will be having AirAsia's brand on their games when they feature Man United! Wow! As far as I am concern, Man United sell the most replica shirt compare to any other team in the world. Good luck.

I am a fan of Manchester United... Yeah! Just do it AirAsia... Love to wear Manchester United jersey with AirAsia logo. WOW!

I register to your blog just to comment on this.

DO IT TONY!

1st There are more Man United supporters in Malaysia than any other team. Period.

2nd The risk of being a shirt sponsor for Man United now is literally low. When AIG was announced as the shirt sponsor for Man United some time ago, United was in decline, or so said the Press. But since then Man United had actually been more successful than AIG itself as the 2 titles and 1 European Championship showed. If AirAsia being the shirt sponsor now, It will epitomise the true champions and winning mentality across all AirAsia brand.

3rd Being the first Malaysian company on a very global brand is a big thing. With the current economic slowdown, AirAsia should position themselves above the pack in the budget Airline business across Asia and the world. And there's no bigger exposure in the worlds biggest sport than on a Man United strip. This might also be a motivation for all the Malaysian company out there to rise to the top!

4th I'm a diehard Man United fan and a big fan of Air Asia the company. So this is a dream come true.. On 2nd thought, maybe this is the most important reason :p

I guess the Global Financial Crisis has started to make an impact on football clubs....

If Im not mistaken, it is not easy to put a company's logo on a jersey of one of the biggest football clubs in the world...

Maybe try to find out from their current sponsor, AIG, no? Was it the same process where the club approach them like they approach you...

Maybe AirAsia can take this opportunity to negotiate for a better price with the said team....

I would go into more detail so that both parties can have win-win situation no?

Great and I'm on this. It makes Malaysian proud and of course AirAsia rocks. I will definitely grab one straight after it is confirmed and being released on the market.

Orgasmic, orgasmic, orgasmic! Malaysia seriously could do with a truly global brand....much to our chagrin, apart from Petronas, we dont really have a global renowned brand. Singapore has Tiger beer, OSIM, Creative Technologies, Tiger Balm, etc...

Its amazing within 07 years AirAsia has reached the dizzying heights of global recognition. I will surely be getting myself the AirAsia sponsored Man Utd jersey the next time I'm onboard your flight!

Man Utd's global reach in terms of branding is second to none for a football institution, with an approximate 300 over million fans world wide. The Red Devils' EPL matches for the most of it are shown live week in, week out and its the same for the Champions league matches as well. The marketing mileage for the Air Asia brand in England and Europe will be stupendous. Hope the government will be throwing the kitchen sink behind you as this sponsorship will have the multiplier effect on tourism. Tourism dollars in these market climate will be crucial...

You've pulled another rabbit out of the hat again Tony!

Well, it really depends on you, Tony!!!

In your business point of view:

Yes, for sure without a doubt. Because Man U are really outstanding soccer team in the world. I think most of the people would start watching soccer from Man U or players from Man U. Also, "AirAsia" realy match with Man U's image. Most like match with their club's colour, also Man U are one of the leading soccer clubs in the world, so as AirAsia, being a leading LLC in the world. This is a great opportunties to put AirAsia into the map and the international market. So that more people know AirAsia. (To be honest, I am Man U fans for years, but i even don't know Air Asia is part of Man U sponser til a few years ago when Man U went for Asia Tour, and the new delivery on AirAsia A320 Man U version.) So became Man U main sponser is a really important step as i would see as the future, and there are successful examples. (Before, Everton's main sponser is Kejian, a computing sponser from China, they are well known in China, but they could only be start develop in the world market after they sponser for a year. After, Thai's "Chiang Beer" became Everton's Main sponser, without their name putting on Everton's Jersey, I am sure i won't know what "Chiang Beer" is, so as the rest of the world. Second Example would be Flybe and Thomsonfly, they are both Airlines, they weren't as well known as British Airways and Bmi, or even ryanair. But more people know they were exist in the British Aviation Industry after they sponser Man City and Newcastle or Bermingham. Of course there are more examples, but these are the few ones pop out from my mind straight away, and i don't want to wipe the discuss board out by my words!!!

But remember, English Premier league are the top league of the world, with the most revenue, audience and most broadcast soccer league on the planet. People spend million billions of dollars for the broadcast right. So please in mind with that.

Ok, chill out a bit.......For your interest point of view:
I would say No, instead i will offer Westham for the sponsership. And i am pretty sure it will save you a bit of money as well. Since the level between Westham and Man U are.........( Don't want to hurt you, Tony!!)
And they would have similar amount of people to watch Westham as well. So, i would take what i go for. (I am pretty sure you don't just only hang outside Old Trafford... as you said on the radio!!!)

If none of them are your decisions, i will say: AirAsia for Westham, and AirAsia X for Man U. (For even put Tune Money/ Hotel in it!!!) Just dreaming!!!! Forget about it!!!

Anyway, Tony, You are a business man, you know what to do. This is a great chance!!! But there risk behind as well!!! See if AirAsia are willing to bring this challenge. See if AirAsia is mature enough to sponser the world class team.

Alright i am going to end this now, i don't want to wipe the page out, seriously!!!
Finally, I ultimatly waiting to see C.Ronaldo or Rooney where "AirAsia Jersey" and play on the top league on the planet!!! Ha.............

Hope you will make a perfect decisions which can make you and AirAsia took a further step to the world stage!!

Air Asia is not the only Malaysian company to get this offer. TNB does too: http://www.flickr.com/photos/safriz/3259736305/

take it man.. chances like these dont come too often... you will have to wait what? another three to five years to sponsor them? that's only if they decide to approach you again... you're a fan i'm a fan... chance to sponsor the team, chance to make malaysian proud... why not?!

This is a fantastic opportunity tony. No doubt its gona be expensive but I’m thinking at the current credit crisis, MU probably turned to you because there were not many takers. Saying that, reviewing the companies financial status, a deal in the range at what AIG paid might be really taxing the company. But the marketing opportunity is mega big. I say mega because mu it’s self is a global brand. their brand presence is huge, to tie up with them is a dream come true, and if u can tie them up on long term, its probably much cheaper now then it will be for some time to come. A way at which the cost can be split is to share the cost between air asia & air asia x. for example, air asia can be the sponsor during the premier league games and air asia x during all cup & European competitions. But this is a fantastic opportunity. The premier league is the most watched league in the world & mu is the star of the show, your target audience is both Europe & asia, & that’s perfect for aa. And to add it, it'll be a slap in the face for MAS, how can they claim to be a bigger & better airline if AA is sponsoring MU. More people around the world would be able to recognize AA the MAS, it’s a knock out punch. The question is of course, someone I’m sure is doing the cost to benefit ratio as I type this. And, lets put it this way, what would Virgin/ Sir Richard do??

Thanks for sharing this with us. Thought AirAsia.com would create more "action" while preserving company's brand, what do the consultants think? My reply in Facebook: Boss, Never thought so soon, but since it came earlier, why not? 1) Devils= Good Association, (Air Asia= No.1 in Asia) No.1 in England, Probably Europe (if they win again), World (because of World Club's Cup) 2) Nike= Good Association because of= "Just Do It" Motto 3) The ROI of exposure for Live Telecast, entire Year + entire places Devil ... Read Moreteams (+ FANS, those who... Read More wear them, now this is Additional Bonus), can only be measured with one word "Syok!!" even before all figures surfaced 4) And it's totally fit with your expansion strategy, and since it's shown ".COM", the follow-up impact can be very positive 5) Increase company's goodwill, make M'sian proud (as with Everton's China's KEJIAN previously) + Just give Manchester United some sponsorships because their current AIG needs to save themselves. Even better with the first Tune Hotel in Europe (no matter what the capacity is) nearby Old Trafford!!! Thank you, bring us good news!! :)

Same time, The color is just so match! By that time Economy would have been recovered + New LCCT would be ready. If the accounts people are rather pessimistic, ask them if they would have bought Air-Asia few years ago and if they would have thought where Air-Asia be today!

Definitely go for it. I'm sure the cost for it will be astronomical - but opportunities for marketing like this don't come very often! How many Man-U jerseys are sold every year around the world? How many football fans own a Man-U jersey? And that's just those who fork out the money for originals. How many more people in poorer countries (like China, Thailand, India) wear copies? Which will still bear the Airasia logo (if the manufacturers get it right). Funny thing about football is that even nomadic tribesmen in the deepest regions of Africa probably play this sport and have heard of Man-U. Having your logo on its jersey can very well help secure your brand up there with Coca-cola.

To all the dumbos who commented above, proclaiming their knowledge and love of man utd... air asia... saying it's a good deal... and stuff like that.. Do you have any freaking idea how much is AIG sponsorship deal with Man Utd? it's USD$100 million... x 3.6 = RM360 million 5 years contract if AirAsia is going to take this sponsorship deal. how much can AirAsia sponsors? how much do you think Man Utd is ready to take? RM50 million? RM100 million? Can air asia afford that?? what's the profit margin of air asia now? How much debt air asia is carrying now? my take is... to give this a miss... not a good deal... tq.

Dear Tony, I am a Man Utd fan myself, and i would LOVE to see something on that shirt that is associated with my country. Apart from that, i am an avid jersey collector, so the thought of having an AirAsia sponsored jersey in my collection thrills me! Before AIG sponsored Man Utd, i have never heard of that company before. Think of the exposure it will bring to AirAsia, i mean it would be recognized globally! other company that are looking into having their name being put on the shirt includes Sahara India and Saudi Telecom, to think that they are just contenders already bring them such big publicity, what more to say to actually have them on the shirt itself??? and about the deal itself, i'm sure AirAsia have something on their mind about it. Or else, you wouldn't even consider it, no? ;) Deal or no deal, sponsorships will only change during the 2010/2011 season, so there's still time to think about it. I hope for a great news!!

Hi Tony, This is great news for Malaysians! Finally, there's a Malaysian brand that is truly global. Being an MU fan, I maybe a bit biased, but it will fit in nicely with the MU brand which stands for strength and resilience. I also hope that AirAsia (or Tune Group for that matter) will one day sponsor local sport talents i.e. Nicol David, our badminton players, our bowlers, who are in dire need of sponsorship to maintain their livelihood. Also, if AirAsia X could sponsor tennis, specifically the Australian Open, that may bring a lot of passengers to and fro Melbourne. There are many Malaysian and worldwide tennis fans, and I'm pretty sure that it won't cost as much as to put the AirAsia name courtside at the Australian Open. Of course, I'm just suggesting blindly without knowing the real costs involved and how you calculate the ROI. But kudos to the AirAsia team for being aggressive in these troubled times. Sincerely, Syahazzly Izham Bin Hamzah

Yup, this is HUGE opportunity for the Air Asia brand and as a MU and Malaysian brand supporter, I wud say GO for it in an instant. Global recognition, reaching millions of viewers and association with THE world champion and biggest football club in the world, hell , what is there to think. But of course, naturally at what and whose expense? One thing I value most abt Air Asia is the affordable flights, the no-frills package and fact that such affordable flights give people the chance to travel and enjoy such mobility and freedom. If such cost of sponsoring MU or whatever other over-budget global marketing programs, will be passed on directly to the consumer in terms of higher ticket price or extras, then I wud say NO to such programs. X it.

Go for it!

Dear Mr Tony Personally i would take AA flight not because it is sponsoring MU or something else. I take it just because it is cheap and the availability to my desired destination. No doubt that by sponsoring for big players AA brand will be taken to higher levels but if you can look at your passengers personal details (age, destinations, frequency etc) you would be able to analyse the sources of revenue for AA and compare it to the benefits derived from such sponsorships. I hope you got my point. i also believe that big wings (MAS, SIA, etc ) do sponsor for many big events and players but why are they running in losses? most of the time. I am not big mind like you and i hope you do have some strategy to sponsor MU or not.. Good luck Mr Tony

Not bad. The colour looks right. :)

Hi Tony, As a great supporter of the Red Devils, I would have certainly said" Got for it Tony!" ... however looking at the circumstances, i think AirAsia has everything to ponder especially the ROI that your company had invested in making sure your name be seen on every MIB on the field. What's the ROI on 1 shirt? I mean it's advertising for crying out loud. So obviously the return will take it's time to come back.. what am i crapping here? ... anyway, i still feel that your revenue managers should think about if the sponsorship is worthwhile in line with your flight costs.. Maybe you can say to Man U.. i'll pull your shirt on every seat on your planes and paint the sky red... RED is AirAsia.. RED is MU... perhaps that way your sponsorship will be invested in a good way... i'm not sure how much their asking but the cost gonna be huge i bet... i'd love to see the Devils wear jersey with AA one day and i wish you all the best in this decision... feel free to drop me an email yah.. i may not be in par with you but i hope at least i can share some thoughts with you on marketing ideas etc. honestly, AA kicks ass unlike you know who, copycats does have their days numbered... cheers !

Money aside, the color fits, the dynamism is equal and the exposure massive. On another note, you might want to take out the photos of Ronaldo and the other United players that were touched up showing AisAsia's logo on this blog. You might be infringing some rights here such as that of AIG and Man Utd.

Personally, being an avid fan of F1, I don't really pay attention to the names of foreign sponsors that I don't know. Sometimes, very rarely, I look them up and find that they're totally unrelated to me. However, Air Asia is an airline and there's a definite pull for no frills airlines these days. I suggest you ask them for an impact report for advertising if they have it and use that to assess the bang for your buck vs the traditional medium. If not, all your brand is going to be is a way for them to make money with no impact on you.

Tony, Although I'm not a Man United football fan, this kind of offer doesn't come to you every day. Grab it while you can. Grab it while Air Asia and Man United are both flying high. Show to the world what this country who-sits-between-Thailand-and-Singapore can do. You don't want to sponsor some low division football club, do you? Sincerely, Ahmad Faizal Yahya

As a shareholder of Air Asia, i would like to see my company's name printed on ManU's shirt. BTW, please do not privatise Air Asia. We stay loyal to Air Asia for quite some time now, please don't make us lose money. We believe in you. P.S. I don't mind if you do it after the share price reached RM10.

300%...YES!!! AirAsia Boleh!

hi tony, generally most readers would support plastering AA on an MU shirt. i beg to differ simply because if AIG pd 56m (300m) pounds couple years back, look at the financial difficulty they are in now. i know there are other underlying reasons to AIGs collapse but, seriously, that money can really be put to better use, especially in trying times. plus u gotta really sell a whole bunch of tix to raise 300m huh? Think organizations like AIG, or our very own Proton and Norwich City FC, i don't believe in luck but i think they kinda jinxed the poor club. id hate to see Man U fighting for a CL spot next season cos of 'Malaysia'. we have world class airlines and stuff, but we gotta really stay away fr football. it think there are other obvious reasons to SAVE the cash. This kind of offer while flattering, will come around again as long as we strive hard. i still wanna go krabi for 200 ringgit in years to come. thanks T.

Just Do it ! I am confident Airasia will be able to negotiate for a "Win-win deal" with Man U P/s- Man U shirt has the Nike logo [Just Do it ]

I think for AirAsia, is to be or not to be. Not how much can they sponsor. If it's not feasible at all, don't think Tony would even put up this post. Meanwhile, sponsorship can only gets even more expensive. If it's USD100m for now, don't think it'll be cheaper by next term. Go for AirAsia.com!!

It's is no-brainer that this deal will be a very good marketing and advertising for Air Asia brand at the global stage. However, the concern will be on the funding issue for this sponsorhip deal, since Air Asia need to fund for its airplane purchases as well few years down the road. Unless this issue are solved, i don't think Air Asia can commit to the sponsorship deal. Perhaps do an equity raising i.e private placement? Just my 2 cents

Historic. Man Utd could win 5 trophies. Then you can use that as your new 'slogan'. [Air Asia, proud sponsor of 5-time champions.] Then get the 5 trophies here, charge RM 5/person to look at them. RM 10 for picture. RM 15 for YOU in picture. HAHA RM 5 can donate to some orphanage :) Also if Ronaldo moves to Real Madrid, you can make a fuss (since you're the sponsor). Cool headlines. haha "Dato Sri Tony, Mengamuk Ronaldo Pindah Kelab" "Dato Sri Tony outrage at Ronaldo's move" Amazing how a name on a jersey can change things...

AirAsia's already in F1, why not footie?

Dear Datuk, as I had written earlier, sponsor someone or some team which is in need!. I rather see AirAsia helping our local teams, after all AirAsia is a local born global brand.

I would like to see Malaysian football back to it glorious past i.e. in the 60s and 70s. Let help our Malaysian under 12 team and develop them to be 'Asian Tiger" once agian!, so that in 7 to 9 years time we can have a formidable senior team. Instead of hearing Ronaldo, we might be hearing "Zainaldo", Samydo & Ah Keongdo" all from Malaysia!, in the world football arena.

Expose our youngest from grass root level to high world standard football i.e. putting them as apprentice in major football clubs around the world for required periods. The saying goes, if you want to be top, you must play regularly with the top players and teams of the world".

The youngster must be well managed professionally, for e.g. bring them back as a team from all over the world and carry out regular centalized training and compete in tournaments as a team in the world & regional competitions. KPI must be laid out and stricly adhered

Support. But please put ".com" as well...

Hi Tony, told you when we met while boarding our flight back to BSB 13/2/2009..we're huge fan of AA..and since we're huge fan of MU too..then huge support for you on this! Gd luck...

Hi Tony, Nice Jersey! It's one of the most expensive advertising cost to sponsor MU. Sorry for being off-topic, Why the AirAsia United Kingdom still showing a banner indicated that the "World-Class Call Centre" would be ready by 15 February 2009 (which shown since last month), but in fact it is now 21 Feburary 2009? This is a bit confusing for your customers, for my opinion. Take care!

Hi Tony, Go for it! Could once in a life time opportunity! cheers!

Dear Tony I am a true fan of yours and never miss to read your interviews in whichever newspaper / magazine it appears. You have such a great foresight. I truly want AirAsia to succeed as a leading global carrier one day. Despite this, sponsoring MU, at this time, when there are so many ifs and buts surrounding AirAsia (and as a matter of fact, all other airlines in this turbulent times), I would strongly recommend that AirAsia exercise caution in weighing the cost-benefit associated with it. At this moment, I am all against this plan.

Dear Tony I fully agree with Surendra. Many of the ppl currently flying AirAsia, they are flying because you made it affordable. You made them see their friends and families more often making the their bond more stronger. These ppl are thankful for your foresight and they will fly AirAsia with or without MU. All they do not want is that AirAsia collapsing or the fare going up due to increasing cost. So please, please....say NO to this deal in the interest of AirAsia and millions of AirAsia fans like me. p.s. There is a probability that many of the ppl commenting here asking you to go for MU could comprise of ppl who never fly AirAsia....

as much it is great, i'd suggest you spend the money elsewhere and make better use of it. also those that have appeared on the MU jersey are not doing well. Sharp and now AIG. your brand is establish and can get better without MU.

Hi Tony, You has mentioned "Doing this would be a first for a Malaysian company and would truly solidify us as a global brand". Actually I beg to differ. Proton was the first Malaysian company to sponsor an EPL team. I clearly remember the Proton logo proudly printed on the Norwich City Football Club in year 2002/2003 season.

Congrats....for even being approached. Must say its an honor for AirAsia. Even being a die-hard Liverpool fan, must say AirAsia should go ahead with the deal. Its definitely proud to see a "Malaysia" company having the sponsorship. YNWA, sAM

I think Airasia should get this. This will increase Airasia popularity in the UK. It would be great if D7 flies there too. Everyone knows Manutd, with Airasia name with it , i think where ever Airasia flies, people around the world definitely know Airasia.

yes you should!!! Glory Glory Manchester United!! by the way..the color matches Air asia..and the logo looks good on the jersey!!!

Dear Tony, i just read about this at business times,the term of contract is 4 years and reported to be worth US$100 million (RM360 million).I just give a simple calculation. RM 360 million / 4 Years = RM 90 million (per year) RM 90 million (per year) / 12 (months) = RM 7.5 million (per month) RM 7.5 million (per month) / 30 (days) = RM 250,000 (per day) for my opinion i tink this is not a smart move,why dunt u pump in this cash at tune money,tune money is a really potential company man,you are going to make millions of money there,just matter of time and matter of money.all about money. bye.

AirAsia doesn't need Man U's endorsement let alone pay millions for it. The company has already made it's name and I see no reason why it should contribute to the obscene amounts Man U's millionaire players are already making. You know for a fact they would have sent out that sponsorship pack to many other companies hoping that one would say yes and help fill their coffers. So please don't be the one that said yes. Like someone else said in an earlier comment, if you want to help football, help local football. Good knows they need it. Put your money in there with conditions. Clear out the current batch of incompetent officials and administrators and start fresh. Help out local football and you'll win the undying gratitude of the long suffering local fans, sponsor Man U and you'll only line the pockets of the Old Trafford fat cats.

Dear Tony, I just read about this at Business Times,the term of contract is 4 years and reported worth US$100 million (RM 360 million).I just give a simple calculation. RM 360 million / 4 Years = MR 90 million (per year), RM 90 million (per year) / 12 (months) = RM 7.5 million (per month), RM 7.5 million (per month) / 30 (days) = RM 250,000 (per day) For my opinion i think this is not a smart move,why dunt you pump this money at tune money,tune is really potential company man,you are going to make millions of money there,just matter of time & matter of money,all about money. bye

as a die hard fan of manutd, it is certainly a great news for any of us, especially in malaysia. however, all of us know that sponsoring the red devils has its pros and cons and im pretty sure that you have your team of experts weighing it now. first and foremost, the cost for sponsoring MAY seem to be ridiculous but for vodafone, they took the risk and thanks to united, it actually flourishes into an internationally renowned brand. on the other hand, i hope you and your team of marketing and advertising experts can evaluate the financial development of airasia with respect to the need of advertising in becoming what it might seem to be an attempt to be internationally acknowledged. i sincerely hope airasia would not end up like AIG. i also know that you will definitely face several competitions from big organisations around the world. last but not least datuk, as the chinese says "if you dont have a big head, dont ever wear a big hat" good luck and have fun =)

Although having ManU's players showing AirAsia is a great thing..but at the expense of a huge amount of money is definately a no-no.

I believe that Air Asia has done enough of marketing, since it's already very well-known.

Better use the same amount of money to speed up the project of the new LCCT or other things that benefit the company, customer, the staff and the nation.

During this economy situation, better spend it on something that can assist our Malaysia economy.

BTW, can we ask ManU to sponsor something in Malaysia, especially AirAsia???

Dear Tony,

"A love affair with MU"...that's the headlines for ur post this time.I know for a fact that you hate MU and then it was purely business hindsight that you sponsored MU in the past.

RM 360 million is certainly a lot of money.Both previous sponsor's SHARP & AIG did not reap as much they ought to have.Futurology is a more speculative business than history,they say.

It will be hard for a third person to comment on this because there are plenty of questions that need to be answered.How is AirAsia's financial health at the moment?The strategies?Have they entered into a future oil contract?It may seem plausible for now but may well be reversed by unforeseeable events especially during this recession.

I also remembered an article on The Malaysian Insider recently and you have commented that the banks will continue to grant funds to AirAsia.

Even companies like Ryan Air is not expected to reap any profits till the first quarter of next year and BA is expected to have a loss of 150 million.

Believe the unbelievable and dream the impossible,i'm sure that AirAsia has to make this decision internally.

ps:I am eagerly waiting for the 11 March 09,when AirAsia will fly to London.I continue to spread the word to all my university mates from different parts of the world on AirAsia. Surprisingly many Brits themselves have not heard of AirAsia.

why not you sponsor me... i put AirAsia logo on all my clothes...

save ur USD100 mill... just give me USD5 mill..

deal?

cantik la ...you look hansome in that t shirt

GO AIRASIA GO. Glory Glory Manchester United...aku bangga kerna aku MUtd fanatic, aku naik flight ada lambang MUtd, warna fliht warna MUtd, pakaian staff cam warna MUtd dan lepas ni JERSEY MUtd ada tulis AIRASIA.teruskan. BELIEVE THE UNBELIEVABLE aku sokong 200%

If you are right, I shall fight FOR you. If you are wrong, I shall fight WITH you!!!!!

I think for now AirAsia can put the shirt sponsorship deal aside. Until AirAsia X secures more international flight routes with at least 4 out of 7 continents, then we can start thinking about the shirt sponsorship deal. Man Utd as a global brand has undoubtedly a huge fan base all over the world. If AirAsia secures the deal now say, 3-4 years, AirAsia will stand to enjoy exponential global exposure throughout those years. For existing routes, it should benefit tremendously. However, for other destinations that AirAsia X currently has yet to reach out to, it may be a disappointment for them. My humble suggestion is for AirAsia to remain as one of Man Utd's sponsors for these coming years. Once AirAsia X reaches global market penetration of at least 65%, AirAsia can start thinking of securing this benefiting deal. By then, the sponsorship deal I'm sure will cost a lot more as compared to present values. However, I believe the sales of more international ticket flights should outweigh the associated costs of doing so. Increase in flight tickets in view of the total existing routes may not be economically viable to justify this investment. As much as I want AirAsia to secure this shirt sponsorship deal with Man Utd (I'm a Man Utd Fan!!), I believe it is best to hold the deal off for now. P/s: Is that the only design suggested? Are there any other recommended designs? Just my 2 cents worth of design opinion, it looks rather bare don't u think? Lol... Since AirAsia's logo is slanting, probably add a frame or something to realign the view of the AirAsia logo to the front view of the jersey... =)

As long as it is within co's financial capacity, i would strongly agree with the proposals. As a Malaysian, it would be a proud moment to see a local brand on the jersey of the biggest football club in the world.

"Now Champion Fly with AirAsia"

Everyone of us can shout out different kind of thoughts and opinions but back to basic question, how does this sponsorship deal gonna benefit AirAsia? I guess you do have a group of specialist to weight it for you... No matter deal is on not, still congratulations to AirAsia which been doing so well and made Malaysia proud...

Hi tony, What's the ROI of this and how to measure it? I afraid there's NONE. The way i see it, AIG was a sponsor because of 3 reasons (before they succumb themselves to subprime woes) 1) They have thick profit margin. 2) They have a worldwide setup and customer base. 3) Corporate Ego. So how about AA? In my opinion, Sponsorship must make sense and fits into your company core vision. Don't ever sponsor because of the wrong reason, esp for the sake of Ego. Trust me all Malaysian will support you (probably except MAS fellow) to put AA brand on ManU Shirt, But world-class brand don't become world-class overnight by just paying a hefty price over a t-shirt sponsorship. If it's so easy then i think everyone who is loaded can just buy their way into brand. World-Class brand is world-class, first and foremost, by having a world-class product. So why don't you use the money and invest in your products which benefits your clients? Like improving the seat, the food, the whole flying experience. Up the percentage of ontime schedule, train the staff (send them to southwest for training) + sell them an unforgettable Tour engineered by AirAsia. Southwest, is the ultimate role of model u wanna beat, They are best of the best and and i don't think Herb Kelleher will ever approve the idea of paying so much for a t-shirt logo.

If you thinking about financial matter, why don't you quite sponsoring Wiliams F1 Team? I think sponsoring MU is the much better investment because as you know football is more popular than F1.In addition, AirAsia logo is not obvious in F1 car but in football jersey the logo is clearly seen.

This would be a wonderful opportunity for AirAsia and Malaysia as a whole. So YES! take the deal, it will definately be worth it. It will put Malaysia on the map and make AirAsia a truly global brand. Furthermore, this is something that will make all Malaysians so proud. Being a MU fan.... this is really awesome and a chance that should not be missed. There are so many brands around the world, but for MU to approach AirAsia...they must have seen something special...so Tony take this chance and don't let it go.

GO FOR IT!!!!

it's brilliant opportunity to bring AirAsia, and Malaysia, to the world, and since AirAsia is looking to expand its network of flight stops around the world, it makes perfect sense that the most popular football club in the world is the best platform to promote airasia's name! soon every MU fan will have 'AirAsia' on their jerseys... and every football spectator, even from rival teams, will see 'AirAsia' on the TV screens, newspapers, etc.

can't get any better than that!

You're INSANE Tony. Insanely bold, courageous and awesome to a degree I cannot fathom for myself. I'm pulling my hair out. This is insanely cool! I really respect you for daring to think big. You really make me want to start dreaming myself. Anything is possible! I now believe! Thanks for inspiring me and the rest of us Malaysians

the level of awareness from that branding is very high.. i known 'SHARP' is an electrical brand since they put that on ManU shirt.. this was during my childhood time.. imagine people whom dont know your brand, knows that coz the love of that game..

Hi Tony, First of all, congratulations to AirAsia. I'm a Man Utd fan and from my personal point of view, GO FOR IT! However, from the financial point of view, is AirAsia ready to spend USD100mil or RM360mil? Where will you get this money from? Yesterday, I read in The Star that AirAsia needs RM13bil funding to pay for 104 aircraft. This is after you have secured a financing deal with Barclays Capital to fund the purchase of 15 new A320-200 aircrafts worth nearly RM2.5bil. From the marketing point of view, it is a very strategic moves for AirAsia to be associated with Man Utd. With more international routes going to be launch soon, I believe by sponsoring Man Utd, you'll get maximum exposure. This is because Man Utd is one of the most supported football club in the world and Premier League is one of the most watched football league in the world. Thank you for bringing AirAsia to where it is after only 7 years and I believe AirAsia will fly even higher in the future. Perhaps to the space? Who knows...

Have you thought about Man City, they are massive

AIRASIA IN THEATRE OF DREAMS !!!

Go for it Mr. Tony ! Join force to become Champions of the World , Champions of UK and Champions of Europe !!!

Wow :P


p/s: Champion of Malaysia too :)

Tony, even though you're a fan of West Ham, just go for the ManUnited shirt sponsorship... The brand of MU is one of the largest in the world and to be associated with them via the logo on the jerseys is an excellent endorsement of AirAsia.com... Not forgetting about the benefits this can bring to both AA as well as Malaysia in the form of increased awareness and (hopefully) tourist arrivals! And with respect to Manchester City, even though you guys are super-rich and a growing club, the ManUnited brand has been around for a far longer period and not forgetting the global spread of the fanbase!

Tony

You have got to do it. It is one of those things you'd regret if you decide not to put AirAsia on Man Utd shirts.

Sponsoring Man Utd would truly bring AirAsia to another level.

Sheikh from Singapore

. . .anddd AirAsia stewardesses are wayyy better than Tiger Airways! Rock on Tony!

wow,i think that that shirt fits well for Ronaldo! LOL..but,the decision must be considered in financial aspects too,all because we are now in a bad economic situation.. So proud being a Malaysian right now..~ :D

Hi Mr. Tony I am working for TAA at HKT airport. We have met before when you came. I must say I like this T Shirt and you look smart on it. Anyway, can I have one??? only kidding! Just first time I logged in and posted a comment on your profile and wanted to say Thanks for your hard work to keep me employed!!!! Have a good day krab

Hi Mr. Tony, One more thing I really need to tell you that you should have removed the price tag from T Shrit!!!!! Haha

hi Tony!
This is great news: go on do it. It's a real pleasure to see AirAsia instead of AIG. I am a great fan of MU and I love to see you so happy. So once again GO AHEAD AND DO IT.m

I think that's a worthy sight to look at and I think that it would be a fantastic deal as the ripple effect could be quite amazing. Imagine AirAsia logo all over the TV, newspapers, internet portals, social media etc and AirAsia gets all these promo and PR for absolutely free, I mean if you guys paid whatever sum of dosh to ManU that is ;)

As a marketer, I think it's a great opportunity but as you've said, you need to judge it based on ROIs. However, this opportunity is too big to lose. Brand is all about repetition and ManU deal is way to good to pass up. Too may pros against the cons..so if you want my take and subject to your permissible budgets then go for it!

Anyway, this is just my 2 cents on things :)

All the best,

Ambar Hamid

For a long time in Business Development and Marketing experience, i personally think that this is a major marketing plan ever. A new brand, a new publicity and new era of Malaysian brand going through International market. A big one i guess. a big move! Not just England but the whole European country will see the brand. A lo of things and opportunity to grab. Way to go. Good luck and congratulation! Whatever the outcome later, they still recognize Malaysian brand by approaching Tony Fernandes for the sponsorship. His Brand, Our Brand and Malaysian Brand!

Hi Tony, As much as it pisses me off to see the logo of my favourite low-cost airline on the jersey of the team that i hate the most, but I have to say, it looks like a pretty good deal. I'm sure that being an ACCA Chartered Accountant (just like me hehehe!), you would have done your Cost Benefit Analysis (i'm sure this deal is going to cost a bomb to Air Asia) and would be able to take the decisive action on this deal. On face value, without a doubt it looks good. By the way, if this deal doesn't go thru with Man U, any chance of trying with Arsenal?!!! hehe! Good Luck and all the best!

the shareholders money must be put to good use a team like man united i recon.

Do it, Datuk Seri. It's one of the best, if not the BEST marketing tool. Just imagine if Europeans want to travel to Asia, they will think of 'AirAsia'. Besides the word 'Asia' is a catalyst that they can rely for flying to Asia. It would boost our tourism industry too.

Hey Tony, Cool Blog u have there. I've just came across the entrepreneur, although i have been an avid reader of the company's commercial blog, Just Plane Thoughts. Guess What? i am also one of your shortlisted candidate in so you wanna be a pilot contest. Cool rite? hehe...self-promoting, coz i wana be a pilot.haha However, lets get into business and i meant the MU shirt sponsorship. Anyway, I am an analyst by practice for more than 5 years now, in the field of economics obviously, and i would like to share my common sense thoughts, not as an analyst, but as a normal sensible reader of your blog, about about this latest marketing strategy of yours. Lets derive the Airline's theme, Now evryone can fly. Obviously evn a 5 year old kid knows that air asia's aim is to provide cheap fares by saving costs at all cost. I am a fan of MU..too bad they lost to Barcelona. it sucks..:'( From my POV, MU shirt sponsorhip is viable, but it is not likely to be profitable. Why? C'mon Tony, I've browsed thru the financial report and cud not find links that MU did generate money as a result of the airliner sponsorship. Maybe it's a hidden thing. very much unseen, but lets assume the ratio is 1:1. since AIG sponsors MU's jersey, and at the same time they earned from policy premiums of MU players, staffs and other facilities. The ratio of Air Asia sponsorhip and hmmm i guess you too derive some incoem from MU could alread b 1:1. so its equal. MU cannot benefit more than the lesser profit they generate for you. Air Asia is already well known. Londoners and Britons are already plying air asia's asian routes bcoz of its cheap fares. You have the referees tees' badged, you have sponsor cards ard old trafford, billboards telling britons that they can fly cheap on air asia. and what more do you want? you are making already making big bucks from pound sterling income earners. For spending an additional US$100k for shirt sponsorhip is akin to throwing good money over bad. MU players are already riding on your airbus, you are familiar to them, and giving t-shirt sponsor is like is said earlier, is an additional wastage. If Air Asia is so fond about MU, why don't buy the whole club and run it as another business entity. rational isnt it? you are earning big bucks from these pound sterling earners, dun reduce it by wasting on t-shirt sponsorship. It is a good thing, but the airline needs to be prudent. Why dont putting that US$100k into the company's reserve. strengthen the reserves in recessionary times like this. Or why not, invest in some CSR program like giving scholarships to potential footballers to further their kicking skills in MU football school, or even upgrade your airline facilities. Business is booming not because of football, but because of the air asia's brand name and its trademark cheaper fares than other competitors. If it is the company's passion for sport, i reckon throwing good money into MU is enough. Air Asia is already well known in London. You could however, sponsor other sports in other countries that have love and hate relationship with Malaysia like NBA. There are many markets that shared our games that are yet to be tapped. Apparently u might not have the permission to fly to these country because MAS is plying that route. However, by sponsoring them you are literally earning your way to fly there like what you did to the UK. Another way of increasing your income. My 2 cents worth of ideas and best of luck. Cheers TOny, Herman

Hi Mr Tony, As a great supporter of the Red Devils, I would have certainly said" Got for it !" Yeah! Just do it AirAsia... Love to wear Manchester United jersey with AirAsia logo..it would be Great !