Rolex announced as FAI main sponsor

Rolex, the world's leading exclusive watch manufacturer, has announced that it has become the main sponsor of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world air sports federation.

Founded in 1905, the FAI is the international governing body for all forms of sporting aviation, including ballooning, gliding, aerobatics and model aircraft flying.

Rolex will help the FAI to develop these challenging and exciting air activities, which combine high technology with adventure and the pioneering spirit. In particular, Rolex will be associated with the prestigious distinctions awarded by FAI. Previous winners of FAI Gold Medals include household names such as Lindbergh, Mermoz, Tupolev, Gagarin, and recent multiple FAI world record-holder Steve Fossett.

The FAI President, Pierre Portmann, commented: "We are delighted to be associated with the world's greatest name in time-keeping. Timing and precision play a crucial role in aviation. Rolex is the ideal partner for us."

Lausanne, 24th March 2009