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Chivas USA and Aeromexico announce unprecedented strategic alliance in U.S. pro sports

March 1, 2006 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


CARSON, Calif. (Wednesday, March 1, 2006) - Major League Soccer team Club Deportivo Chivas USA announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Aeromexico, Mexico's largest airline, to become the Red-and-White's official air travel partner. The announcement was made today by team President and Co-Owner Antonio Cué during a press conference held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Attending the press conference on behalf of Aeromexico's U.S. Division was Senior Vice President José Kuri Orvañanos. Also on hand was Chivas USA and Mexican national team forward Juan Pablo García. The alliance is unprecedented for Aeromexico, as it represents the airline's first sponsorship of a professional U.S. sports team.

"We are enormously proud to announce this partnership with an industry leader that, like us, has its origins in Mexico, and brings that heritage to the U.S. to share with those Mexicans residing in this country. We are confident that our relationship with Aeromexico will go on for some time, and benefit our mutual customers and constituents, as well as our fans," said Cué.

"Aeromexico is proud to sponsor Chivas USA in their quest for the MLS Cup," said José Kuri Orvañanos, Aeromexico. "Chivas USA carries on the spirit of good sportsmanship and the tradition of determination that we all share through the sport of soccer. These values are important whether on the field or in the sky, and Aeromexico salutes the professional athletes that exemplify these values for us at every game."

The agreement between Chivas USA and Aeromexico, the financial terms of which were not disclosed, includes a wide range of promotional opportunities for the two partners, such as stadium advertising at The Home Depot Center during team home games, announcements via the stadium jumbotron, participation in special events, and joint print and broadcast advertising. Aeromexico will also serve as the official airline of Chivas USA, transporting the team to worldwide destinations served by the airline.

In its inaugural MLS season in 2005, Chivas USA set the all-time standard for sponsorship of an MLS team, successfully establishing a number of key strategic partnerships with leading U.S. and international companies, an achievement further realized in 2006 with the recent alliance with Aeromexico, as well as existing partnerships with Honda, McDonald's, The Home Depot and Chivas Regal, among others.

Founded on August 2, 2004, Club Deportivo Chivas USA is the sister team of Club Deportivo Guadalajara, considered to be the most popular professional soccer team in Mexico. Chivas USA, which celebrated its inaugural season as a Major League Soccer expansion club in 2005, will play its home opener of the 2006 season on April 2 against Real Salt Lake at The Home Depot Center. Chivas USA is based in Carson, California and is owned by Mexican businessmen Jorge Vergara Madrigal and Antonio Cué Sánchez-Navarro, who also serves as the team's president. For tickets, a 2006 game schedule, and information on Chivas USA's 2006 opener against Real Salt Lake at The Home Depot Center, call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit www.cdchivasusa.com.

Aeromexico serves more than 40 cities in Mexico, more than any other airline, and 15 gateway cities in the United States including Atlanta; Boston; Chicago; El Paso; Houston; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; New York City; Ontario, Calif.; Orlando; Phoenix; San Antonio; San Diego; and Tucson - and five countries in Europe and South America. Founded in 1988, Aeromexico has become the leading carrier in the region by maintaining the highest service levels, which have earned the airline numerous top rankings in the industry. The airline was the first Mexican carrier to introduce a frequent flyer program. Today, Aeromexico's Club Premier program enjoys more than two million members. Aeromexico is a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, which provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. The airline's corporate headquarters are in Mexico City and its U.S. operations are based in Houston.



Major League Soccer Stories from March 1, 2006


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