The company places similar emphasis on its external brand-building efforts. Right from its launch, AirAsia has rarely been out of the media limelight, thanks to frequent press releases and promotions. Both the airline and Fernandes himself have become celebrities of sorts, having won numerous awards (see Exhibit 4). Fernandes has also become a much sought after speaker at various business functions. The company has demonstrated a savvy use of public relations, having orchestrated a variety of events generating large amounts of media publicity, including smart partnerships with other companies (see Figure 9.2). One of its most outstanding publicity coups was the sponsorship deal with the Manchester United football team for one year beginning in August 2005, thus becoming the first low-cost carrier in the world to link itself to one of the most popular football clubs in the English Premier League. The strategic rationale is that being the official low-fare airline for Manchester United will allow the company to generate tremendous ‘share of mind’ for its brand among football fans in Europe and Asia.