Airness was founded as a manufacturer of sportswear and shoes in 1999 by former boxing star Malamine Koné. Within a few years Airness advanced into the largest French manufacturer of sports articles, and through its individual and dynamic style has established itself against its competitors Nike and Adidas. The brand mark of Airness, a panther which labels every article from T-shirt to sweater and rucksack, refers to the pseudonym of Malamine Koné as a boxing star. In contrast, the name Airness relates to the nickname of Michael "Hiss Airness" Jordan which is a sign for his extraordinary achievements.