In the 1980′s Air Cal had an interesting campaign using a piano man and highlighting the fact that you might just like their style. I do not think many airlines would do a commercial quite like this one today. Unfortunatly the colorful style of Air Cal did not make it past the 1980′s and in 1987, the airline was purchased by American Airlines.
this video highlights the passion that many who work in the aviation business have about their jobs and what they do. Over and over again, I find that many who work in the field of aviation (in one way or another) mirror the thoughts portrayed on the video. Most people understand that they are a part of something larger that is very important to almost everyone in the world.
I think the best part of this GE-made video is when some of their employees, who helped to make the GEnx engine, get to travel to Everett, WA and see their product first hand. First, they got to view the GEnx engine on a 787 (which I am assuming is most likely ZA005) and then they got to watch Lufthansa’s first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental take off operating four of their engines.
This week, American Airlines is releasing a creative new set of ads starring Kevin Spacey. It is not often that you see an Academy Award-winning actor in a commercial, but it truly makes these stand out. Spacey stars in three new ads that highlight the, “philosophy of understanding the individual flyer.”
The 60-second ad, showing in this story, shows Spacey as a slick designer type, a creative screen writer, a Malibu family guy and finally as himself. The concept of these four people coming together on an American Airlines flight sounds a bit cheezy, but I think that it works in the commercial.
“Kevin Spacey really nailed the characters, as you’d expect,” director of the advertisements, Chris Palmer explained. “I can’t imagine any other living actor who could have transformed into such diverse and believable characters. It was weird shooting with him as a totally different character each day. The crew didn’t recognise him when he came on set, even on the third day. You completely forgot it was Kevin Spacey in there. In fact, it was a bit of shock to see him as himself on day four.”
According to a press release, this campaign, “Ties in with American Airlines’ evolved ‘discerning flyers’ strategy, developed in response to the changing face of the First/Business Class flyer, appealing to a younger demographic.”
There are also two shorter, 20-second ads. ‘Multiple Meals’ shows the three characters having distinctive dining habits, all of which are accommodated by American Airlines Dine Upon Request service. In ‘Multiple Boarding’, the characters are shown using different ways to check-in, from a traditional boarding pass to a smartphone option.
If you live in the US and don’t see these ads around, that is because they will only show in the UK. Luckily, we have the internet. Do you think this is an effective advertising strategy?
I do not know what is cooler: the classic flight attendant uniform or the Boeing 737-200 flying overhead. I wonder how many takes this took to get it right and if she had any hearing left. Enjoy this Southwest Airlines commercial from 1972.
UPDATE:
Brian Lunsk, Southwest Airlines Corporate Historian and Nuts About Southwest Blogger, left a comment with a bit more information on the video: “This commercial was filmed at the former Connally Air Force Base in Waco. I’m not sure how many takes were involved, but Southwest wouldn’t let our own Employees stand there. The woman in the Hot Pants is a model. It was produced by the former Bloom Agency of Dallas and one of the production crew involved on the shoot was Donald Bellisario, the creator of Magnum, PI, Quantum Leap, JAG, and currently NCIS.” — Thanks Brian!
Most times I can’t stand commercials. Of course this doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good commercial when I see one. GoGo, which provides WiFi service on airlines, has started an advertising campaign starring Trav Lehrman (say it out loud and you should get it). GoGo describes Trav as “an eccentric new spokesperson,” but I would probably say he is a bit uncouth, but still likeable.
Trav is going to be a part of a bigger advertising campaign by GoGo that will use radio, airport based advertising, online display and video ads, and social media. GoGo is also holding a contest where you can win thier internet for life and $10,000.00 — that will buy a lot of stuff you don’t need from the SkyMall catalog.
GoGo is going all out with Trav. Not only is he in video, but he also has his own website and Twitter feed. If you want more of Trav, no worries. He has starred in more than one video.
