23 Jul 2003 - Malaysia Airlines has been appointed the official airline of the Real Madrid Asia Tour 2003 by Asia Sports Development Limited of Hong Kong, the organizer of the 100-year old Spanish professional soccer club`s inaugural Asian tour in August this year.

The national airline successfully clinched the deal that was bid on a first-among-equal basis, staving off strong competition from other international airlines in this region.

The agreement to the effect was signed today at Malaysia Airlines` headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Dato` Abdul Rashid Khan, Malaysia Airlines` General Manager (Western Territory), who signed on behalf of the airline said, “Malaysia Airlines has achieved a number of successes in securing premium charter business this year. It started with The BEST Yachtsmen in the World who were flown by the World`s Best Cabin Staff from Auckland, New Zealand to Geneva, Switzerland following their historic victory in winning the Americas Cup.”

“Then followed one of the premier and world`s best Rock Bands, the Rolling stones who engaged Malaysia Airlines` charter services for their Asia tour. This time around, continuing the successful series of breakthroughs in the High End Global Charter market, the Worlds Best Football Club shall be enjoying the inflight services of the World’s Best Cabin Staff”, he added.

This prestigious deal will see Malaysia Airlines flying about 100 players and team officials of Real Madrid from Madrid, Spain to China, Japan, Hong Kong and back to Madrid for this inaugural tour.

As official airline for this tour, Malaysia Airlines will enjoy the benefit of using the Real Madrid Asia Tour 2003 Logo as well as images of Real Madrid players in all its promotions, advertising and public relations campaigns till 31 December 2003.

In addition, Malaysia Airlines has the option of availing the Real Madrid team for a number of publicity events during the course of the tour and also feature a history video of the Spanish team on its in-flight viewing channels till 31st December 2003.

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