Puregold Partners with Philippines AirAsia in Launching New Plane Livery

I love christenings! Whether it's a baby being welcomed to the Christian world or a store opening celebration, there's always something joyful about the thought of new beginnings and achieving brand new milestones.

christening the #AirAsiaxPuregold aircraft with a water cannon salute 

Thus, I consider it a privilege to have witnessed the launch of the first Puregold livery aircraft that was welcomed at Clark International Airport yesterday with an awesome water cannon salute ceremony. The Philippine retailer has definitely gone full swing by taking its retail marketing from the ground to the skies in partnership with AirAsia.

The launch featured the first of two plane liveries with Puregold's official name and logo prominently displayed on both sides of the body of an Airbus A320 aircraft. According to Puregold Price Club Inc. President Vincent Co, the day heralded a perfect opportunity to expand their brand's reach like all things that they have been doing since the retail chain started in 1998 up to its Initial Public Offering in 2011. He affirmed, "Our partnership with AirAsia, a globally recognized brand, is anchored on a shared commitment to deliver value and the best quality service."

Mr. Co and Captain Comendador at the tarmac

Philippines AirAsia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador likewise acknowledged how honored they are to be carrying "a homegrown retail brand on the ground and in the skies, extending as far as the whole of ASEAN region to China, Korea, and into the AirAsia Group's massive network of over 120 destinations."

"We are a sociable and innovative brand. We also take pride of our collaborative nature and this new livery demonstrates AirAsia's creative approach to partnerships and marketing opportunities especially with companies that support and promote the Filipino brand of excellent service," described Captain Comendador.

a miniature Puregold livery aircraft

He further added that Puregold espouses the same culture that AirAsia has. "They take care of the their employees like we do." As to the partnership, he confirmed that flights of the two aircraft with Puregold livery will be used for both local and international flights.

Apart from Mr. Co and Captain Comendador, the unveiling ceremonies were also graced by Clark International Airport Corporation President Alexander Cauguiran and Philippines AirAsia Head of Ancillary Business Karlo Sanchez.

(from left) AirAsia Cabin Crew, Mr. Sanchez, Capt. Comendador, Mr. Co,
Mr. Cauguiran, and another Cabin Crew

A proudly ASEAN airline that has been voted the world's best low cost carrier for eight consecutive years by Skytrax, AirAsia in the Philippines operates a fleet of 17 aircraft with local flights to/from Manila, Davao, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Puerto Prinsesa, and Clark along with international flights to/from Shanghai, Taipei, Incheon, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Singapore.

Meanwhile, Puregold ended 2016 with a total of 329 stores nationwide. These included 277 Puregold stores, 12 S&R Membership Shopping warehouses, 23 S&R New York Style fast-food outlets, nine NE Bodega Supermarkets, and eight Budgetlane Supermarkets.