M-Sport takes flight with Kenya Airways for Safari Rally
M-Sport is excited to announce an event partnership with Kenya Airways for the most demanding and difficult rally of the season, Safari Rally Kenya, round six of the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship.
The Safari Rally is one of Kenya’s flagship sporting events and a true spectacle that provides a real challenge for both crews and machines on some of the harshest terrain imaginable.
To prepare appropriately for this event, M-Sport required a logistics partner with local knowledge that is second to none as well as having global transportation expertise, Kenya Airways are a natural fit to help the UK based team carry out the transportation of team members and all five Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1 cars that will compete on the Kenyan classic.
Founded in 1977, Kenya Airways is the pride of Kenya’s aviation industry and the country’s flag carrier airline. The entire M-Sport team and its equipment will be travelling through Nairobi for the event, the location of Kenya Airways Head Office based at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
After returning from Rally Italia, the turnaround to prepare five Puma Hybrid Rally1 cars for Safari Rally Kenya has been incredibly tight, with every minute available crucial to the team.
Having Kenya Airways as a partner provides M-Sport an additional edge when preparing for the rally by ensuring the team and its equipment can benefit from a just-in-time arrival, helping us maximise efficiency and competitiveness.
To celebrate the partnership, Gus Greensmith’s Puma Hybrid Rally1 and the crew’s overalls will feature prominent Kenya Airways branding. In addition, the livery of all M-Sport Ford World Rally Team cars will incorporate an element of Kenya Airways branding.
Richard Millener, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, Team Principal, said:
“I had to miss Kenya last year so I am really looking forward to travelling there this year and it is a point of pride for the team to be travelling with Kenya’s flagship airline.
Our partnership with Kenya Airways is a great opportunity for M-Sport to be associated with a national flag carrier that can support us with our logistical needs for such a demanding event.
We know from last year that the fans in Kenya are very passionate and excited about WRC, so we see it as a huge honour to bear the Kenyan flag on the Puma Hybrid Rally1 and celebrate this enthusiasm with the nation.”
Allan Kilavuka, Chief Executive Officer at Kenya Airways, said:
“It gives us great honour to be M-Sport Ford’s trusted logistical partner. Over the years, we have invested in upskilling our talent and diversifying our cargo portfolio to meet market demands that exemplify our competency, credibility and capacity as Africa’s partner for socio-economic growth.
“Last year’s Safari Rally ended a 19-year wait for the WRC’s return to one of its magical locations. Kenya Airways is committed to scaling this nostalgic experience for everyone across the globe this year.”
