New Opportunity for Team Sponsorship, Cause Marketing, & Support of Starfighters Nonprofit Foundation Enhanced by NASA Affiliation

AURORA, Colo. (Business Wire EON) July 11, 2007 -- VMAX Marketing is proud to announce that Starfighters, the only civilian-owned flight demonstration team of its kind worldwide, is now offering companies the opportunity to have their sponsorship and marketing programs soar to new heights. Starfighters will debut their headlining performance of three F-104s in formation during the second half of 2007. The team will add to the excitement by introducing additional aircraft throughout the upcoming years. There are no aircraft comparable to Starfighters available for sponsorship. The Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds cannot allow sponsorships due to their military status.

This is a key step toward expanding routine use of the SLF by non-NASA flight projects, including commercial sub-orbital and orbital space launch vehicles

In addition, NASA and Starfighters recently signed a cooperative Space Act Agreement, paving the way for future commercial space tourism. On April 17, several major news affiliates covered Starfighters flying in the first of a series of test missions that will help NASA assess the potential impacts of sub-orbital and orbital commercial space tourism flights from the Shuttle Landing Facility. Twelve astronauts, the NASA Advisory group, the Director of NASA, and other VIPs were in attendance. "This is a key step toward expanding routine use of the SLF by non-NASA flight projects, including commercial sub-orbital and orbital space launch vehicles," said Kennedy Space Center Director Bill Parsons. The historically significant supersonic F-104 Starfighter is the fastest single engine jet ever built. All Mercury, Gemini, and most Apollo astronauts were trained in this aircraft. Chuck Yeager, as seen in the film “The Right Stuff,” flew this jet to over 100,000 feet. The F-104 continues to hold speed and altitude records.

The Starfighters team exhilarates millions of fans each year at major air shows, key sporting events and corporate events. With up to 1.5 million spectators per event, air shows are second only to NASCAR in attendance levels. During the past decade, air shows had nearly twice the total attendance of NFL football. Fans are very loyal to the sponsoring brands of their favorite teams. Surprisingly, aircraft team sponsorship is largely an untapped market, with the exception of Red Bull, Oracle and a few select companies that are capturing this huge audience.

Starfighters thrilling performances will provide sponsors undivided spectator attention. Although the jets can fly at supersonic speeds, corporate identity will be highly visible not just in the air, but through extensive "on-ground" exposure. Sponsors will reap numerous benefits through their sponsorship of the Starfighters team.

Sponsorship components will be tailored to meet their sponsors’ needs. With an annual schedule of over 400 air shows worldwide, the Starfighters can choose shows that focus on sponsors’ target markets. The Starfighters can also create and fly custom events for sponsors.

The Starfighters sponsorships will include three F-104s and a static display jet. Each F-104 is 54.8 feet in length providing sponsors large logo space; even an entire jet paint scheme is an option. Sponsors will reach consumers and increase their exposure through high attendance levels, multi-media coverage, event signage, hospitality opportunities, pilot autograph sessions, cross promotions, sweepstakes offers, on-site demonstrations and sales, cause marketing opportunities, image and footage rights and more.

This first-time sponsorship opportunity offers companies a unique vehicle to reach millions of consumers at a fraction of the cost of conventional marketing. A Starfighters team sponsorship will be an awe-inspiring way for a company to propel brand identity, capture consumer loyalty, and rise above the competition.

The Starfighters team is also available for commercial and film production, special events, and speaking engagements.

Starfighters appreciates contributions to the Starfighters Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit which supports education and continues the preservation of this historically significant F-104 Starfighter aircraft.

About Starfighters, Inc. – Starfighters is a popular flight demonstration team of 12 years. Starfighters nonprofit foundation supports education and the preservation of the F-104 aircraft.

About VMAX Marketing, Inc – VMAX Marketing specializes in sponsorships, nonprofit funding, event coordination, promotions, and creative development of integrated marketing concepts. For more information visit www.VMAXmarketing.com.

MULTIMEDIA GALLERY

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