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BREITLING ENDS SPONSORSHIP CONTRACT WITH APACHE AVIATION

Apache Aviation announced that from the end of the season 2019, its seven L-39 Albatros team will no longer fly under the colours and brand name of Breitling.

Breitling has decided not to renew the sponsorship contract at the end of this year with Apache Aviation, operator for 17 years of the Breitling Jet Team.
Breitling Jet Team was established in 2003 as the first professional civilian jet team in the world flying in Europe, Asia, Middle-East, North America. The team has performed hundreds of displays with its 7 L39 Albatros jets, as well as bringing the thrill of aerobatics formation flying to thousands of passengers, being the only organization to offer this experience with multiple jets.

Apache Aviation has operated an aerobatic team since 1982 under Martini, Ecco/Adecco, and Breitling colours and has performed 3,000 safe displays in 39 countries.

For the 2020 season and beyond, Jacques Bothelin, Apache Aviation President, is setting up a sponsor research strategy using unique know-how, developed over 37 years of aerial demonstration. His team’s future will be hopefully ensured either through an exclusive sponsor or a pool of co-sponsors.

"The fighter jet is a flying machine of excellence, an unsurpassed communication vehicle to ensure unique visibility to a brand, whether at public events, via the Internet and social media or by all the private operations for which the team remains available to the sponsor. Aerobatics offers a fascinating show, it is the quintessence of mastery and style." recalls Jacques Bothelin.

Flexible, transgenerational and unconstrained by a sporting calendar, the aerobatic team is the communication tool offering the best return on investment and an unforgettable customer experience.
The future Apache Aviation partners will benefit from the 30 annual demonstrations in 10 Europe countries, complemented by tailor-made operations.

For 17 years, Apache Aviation has operated the Breitling Jet Team, the world’s first professional civil jet team, and its seven L39 ALBATROS Jets. Breitling’s long-standing contract with Apache Aviation will expire on the 31st of December 2019. Breitling has decided not to renew its sponsorship as sole and exclusive partner of Apache Aviation, but is open to staying on board as co-sponsor.

Today, Breitling is a global brand and as a consequence, the Swiss watchmaker aimsto activate its partnership with Apache Aviation not only in Europe but also in Asia and America, where there is a huge community of aviation aficionados who would love to see the Jet Team performing in their own skies or offering guests a unique flight experience. This continuation of internationalization and increased visibility, however, requires a substantial additional investment.

The arrangement would be patterned after global sports disciplines that benefit from the contributions of strong multiple sponsors, such as Formula 1 and sailing. Breitling and each partner organization would share the cost of the operation of the Jet Team.

The partnership between Breitling and Apache Aviation has led to the worldwide success and reputation of the Breitling Jet Team. New financial partners would ensure the continued visibility and viability of the team around the world.

Jacques Bothelin, CEO of Apache Aviation, and Breitling are hoping that the right sponsors will be found so that the Jet Team’s unique know-how, developed over the past 17 years, will continue to impress and enthuse people around the globe.