04 November 2008

Thomas Cook acquires motor sports operator

Thomas Cook has acquired motor sport travel package provider Airtrack through its sports travel offshoot for an undisclosed sum.

The Airtrack brand and operations will continue to operate as they do now and remain based in Uxbridge, Middlesex.

Airtrack has been operating for more than 25 years, providing travel and hospitality for Formula 1 Grand Prix, MotoGP and Le Mans 24 Hours races.

Thomas Cook Sport managing director Danny Talbot said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœWith Lewis Hamilton being crowned the youngest World Champion in Formula 1, we are very excited to be able to offer sports travellers an even broader range of high profile sporting events and packages, including next seasonÃ¢â¬â¢s Formula 1, which will allow motor racing fans to benefit further from our expertise and heritage.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœAirtrack is an excellent company that has great leadership and reputation in this specialist market and we look forward to their growth as part of Thomas Cook Sport.Ã¢â¬~

Airtrack managing director Barry Bristow said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœThis deal is great news for our customers - Airtrack is now part of the UKÃ¢â¬â¢s leading professional sports travel company.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWeÃ¢â¬â¢ve come a long way since 1981 but I am sure that our original premise of offering a better way of travelling to the event and to provide that little bit of 'wow' will continue.Ã¢â¬~

Thomas Cook Sport carried 25,000 fans to various sporting events worldwide last year and is the official travel partner of several Premier League teams and the official travel provider of the Football League. Thomas Cook is also the main sponsor of Manchester City and official tour operator for the British & Irish Lions Tour, South Africa.

by Phil Davies