The next decade battle of the airlines?

[astracrazy]

We had battle of the cigarette companies

It seems that the next sponsor battle for the next decade will be between airlines? I expect more airlines to join the current three as well in the future. If this happens, it can only be good for Formula 1.

Virgin vs Kingfisher Vs AirAsia

Any rumors of more?

[RacingManiac]

most airlines are bleeding cash, I don't expect too many of them will want to spend the extra dough....

[Pandamasque]

It's just 3 so far. According to Bernie, ToastAir are unlikely to turn up.

[Giblet]

Emirates is an airline, and Stoddart's OzJet was also a sponsor.

They come and go.

[andartop]

I sure hope Easyjet does NOT join in, otherwise the drivers will have to queue to get in the car, there will hardly be any space for their feet, they will always start the race delayed and when there's a problem there will be no pit crew to assist: they will be asked to go home and try to sort everything out online instead..

[noname]

I sure hope Easyjet does NOT join in, otherwise the drivers will have to queue to get in the car, there will hardly be any space for their feet, they will always start the race delayed and when there's a problem there will be no pit crew to assist: they will be asked to go home and try to sort everything out online instead..

and drivers will be ordered not to use brakes when the track is dry

[outer_bongolia]

I also heard that Pan Am is going to support Honda and Transworld Toyota.

[timd]

There was credible chat not long ago about Brittish Airways going with Mclaren ( i think it was mac anyway).

This is with their recent lack of money too.

It can make sense if they cut back on other marketing / advertising costs.

What with the quitting going on these days teams may be happy to sign long term deals at a relative bargain just to secure a deal and have a future for next 5 years.

They might be scared the arse will fall out of the market. I would.

[astracrazy]

BA must be tempted, they have always had a rivalry with Branson/Virgin

[ReubenG]

IMO both Virgin and Kingfisher are brands that own airlines, but have major income from sources outside of the air line business (Media, beer). I suspect the cash for the sponsorship deals is coming from these other businesses, which are propping up the airlines owned by the parent brands.

I don't know about AirAsia, but I would be very surprised to see an airline (without non-air related revenue) jump into the current F1 sponsors.

[Richard]

IMO both Virgin and Kingfisher are brands that own airlines.

+1 They are brands that happen to own airlines. Branson in particular is reknowned for his vanity stunts to promote his brand. His hot air balloon record attempts are a good example.