KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG), the leading motor sports group servicing the Asia-Pacific region, confirmed it has partnered with Cebu Pacific Air (PSE:CEB), the Philippines’ largest national flag carrier. CEB is the official airline sponsor of the KCMG Hong Kong-based racing team’s 2012 campaign in Formula Pilota China.
Following the successful Formula Abarth European Series, Formula Pilota China consists of eighteen races over six events across world-class racing circuits in China, Taiwan and Malaysia.
The Asian series brings a fresh concept to Asian Motorsport by providing cost-effective, state-of-the-art vehicles, technology and services – which is similar to how CEB conducts its business.
Since 2009, Cebu Pacific Air has backed KCMG-managed Gary Thompson, a 20-year old Irish driver who runs in the Japanese Formula 3 and Formula Nippon. Reinforced by the airline’s steadfast support for the motor sport industry all over the region, KCMG and CEB signed a one-year sponsorship agreement for Formula Pilota China.
Voted as the LCC of the Year in the Asia-Pacific Budgies Awards 2012, CEB offers the lowest fares on the most extensive route network in the Philippines and to the ASEAN region. It operates flights to 32 Philippine and 19 international destinations, including Osaka, Beijing, Jakarta, Shanghai, Busan and Incheon.
Currently operating 10 Airbus A319, 20 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft, its fleet of 38 aircraft – with an average age of 3.6 years – is one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Asia. Consistent with its reputation for upholding innovation, CEB will be the first Southeast Asian low-cost carrier to provide OnAir wifi access inflight when it launches long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013.
CEB’s logo will be featured in the livery of Dan Wells and Akash Nandy’s cars, as well as on the drivers’ helmet and racing suit. KCMG and the airline carrier are aiming to reach a wider audience by leveraging resources and to push effective marketing initiatives in both the air transportation and motor sport industries.
KCMG’s Managing Director Paul Ip has also expressed his gratitude over the new partnership with the airline carrier, “This is our first year running in the Asian series and we are very happy to have Cebu Pacific Air as our 2012 Formula Pilota China airline sponsor. They have been very encouraging and have been with us in our other motor sport initiatives. We are looking forward to an exciting season in Formula Pilota. A huge thank you to Cebu Pacific Air for their unwavering support.”
“We are more than happy to partner with KCMG for their Formula Pilota China campaign. Since 2009, CEB has been bringing talented drivers to their international races, using its extensive route network in the Asia-Pacific region. This is an exciting opportunity to showcase our network in China,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.
CEB flies to Manila daily from Shanghai, thrice weekly from Guangzhou and from Xiamen, and four times weekly from Beijing. It also operates direct flights from Hong Kong to Kalibo (Boracay), Iloilo, Manila, Cebu and Clark, as well as flights from Macau to Manila and Clark. For more details, visit www.cebupacificair.com.
