Two Champion Brands Team Up To Unite Sports Fans Across Asia Pacific

20 September 2023: AirAsia is thrilled to announce that the airline has officially signed on as the major partner for the highly anticipated Asian AFC Cup Campaign. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the club's history as they prepare to kick off their first round of the international competition this evening in Malaysia’s Terengganu. 

As the world’s leading low-cost airline, AirAsia is renowned for its commitment to affordable travel, exceptional service, and connectivity to over 150 destinations enabling everyone to afford that well deserved holiday, connect with friends and family more often, or catch their favourite sports team in action. 

The AFC Cup Campaign promises to be an exciting chapter in the history of the Central Coast Mariners, and AirAsia's support as the major partner will play a pivotal role in the team's success. The partnership reflects the shared values of both organisations - a commitment to greatness and a strong focus on fostering connections across borders.

Rudy Khaw, CEO of airasia brand co. said the partnership is a great fit for AirAsia, bringing together two champion brands both  committed to excellence, innovation, as they rise to the challenge as the best in their own leagues. 

"We are proud to partner with the 2023 A League leaders in their journey through the AFC Cup. Football has the unique power to bring people together, regardless of borders, and we believe this partnership will not only elevate the Mariners but also inspire fans and communities across the region to be part of the action, thanks to our great value fares which enable everyone to travel. With our unrivalled connectivity across our core Asia markets, we look forward to an exciting and successful campaign together and to taking the team to new heights this season. "

Shaun Mielekamp, CEO of Central Coast Mariners said:"We are delighted to welcome AirAsia on board as our major partner for the AFC Cup campaign. Their reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking company aligns perfectly with our vision for success on the international stage. With their support, we are confident that we can make a strong impact in the AFC Cup. After the success of winning the A League Championship in 2023, part of our strategy is attracting global brands whilst still remaining connected to our community."

AirAsia's commitment to supporting sports and community engagement is well-documented, following a number of recent sports sponsorships in Australia and NZ, including the Gold Coast Marathon, the Sydney City2Surf fun run and recently the announcement of the Auckland Marathon taking place next month, making them the perfect partner for the Mariners in the upcoming AFC. As part of the collaboration, AirAsia will be involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting effortless travel and access throughout Asia within the Central Coast community. 

AirAsia connects Australians to over 150 destinations across Asia Pacific, including leisure favourites like Indonesia’s Bali and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, as well as the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, India and many more. The AirAsia Group has transformed over recent times to become more than just an airline into a full-fledged travel platform offering seamless end-to-end travel experiences with products such as flights, accommodation, ride hailing, culinary experiences, financial services, a robust rewards and loyalty program and much more as a one stop travel shop on its airasia Superapp. 

Football fans can book their next holiday or catch their favourite AFC football team in action in Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Bali, the Philippines and more (see matches and fixtures here) - by downloading airasia Superapp or visiting the website airasia.com - with fares on sale starting from AUD$339 between Sydney and Kuala Lumpur - two key destination fixtures on the AFC match programme.

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For more information:

Vanessa Regan

Group Communications

Australia/New Zealand

RedQ, Jalan Pekeliling 5,

Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (klia2)

64000 KLIA,

Selangor Darul Ehsan,

Malaysia

Mobile         : +61409200229

Email: vanessaregan@airasia.com