Liverpool secure new partnership with Malaysia Airlines

Liverpool Football Club has secured a new lucrative commercial deal with Malaysia Airlines to become their official global airline partner.

The 3-year deal replaces the Garuda Indonesia link-up which ended earlier this year.

Liverpool’s chief commercial officer Billy Hogan commented: “Liverpool and Malaysia have always shared a special passion for football – when we visited Malaysia on our pre-season tour the reception was incredible.

“The partnership is a reflection of this bond and we are very much looking forward to a bright future working with Malaysia Airlines.”

Following the catastrophic losses of flights MH370 and MH17 in 2014, Malaysia Airlines received a bailout of nearly £1.2billion from the Malaysian government. Prior to those incidents, the airline had one of the world’s best safety records.

When Hogan was asked if he had any concerns about working with the troubled airline, he said there were “no concerns whatsoever”.

Chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines, Peter Bellew added: “We’re delighted to welcome Liverpool FC to the Malaysia Airlines family.

“Both brands have a long and illustrious history with similar cultures rooted around a sense of family.

“Liverpool FC is one of the most followed clubs in the world, including around 100million followers in South East Asia and 40million in China, our key markets.

“Additionally, Liverpool FC will go a long way in strengthening our brand in the UK, our gateway to Europe.”

Bellew wouldn’t reveal how much the deal was worth but said it was “well under 10 per cent of the advertising budget for the year”.

Photo credit: Mediacorp