We've all read about the damaging effect the global recession is having on business travel demand, but American Airlines is hoping a new TV ad campaign featuring the London-based US actor Kevin Spacey will help it attract passengers back to the front of its transatlantic cabins.
The carrier has produced two adverts featuring Spacey, both of which you can get a sneak preview of here.
I think Spacey's a great actor and I've been meaning to go and see one of his plays at London's Old Vic theatre, where the actor is the artistic director. But I didn't really find either of the ads particularly attention-grabbing. I just don't see them whipping up the controversy and comments that Virgin Atlantic's recent ad campaign did.
Anyway, take a look and let us know what you think. Judging by the grim outlook for the airline industry given by IATA director Giovanni Bisignani this morning, I think it'll take more than a couple of ads to get bums back on airline seats!
on March 25, 2009 2:13 PM | Reply
I admit I haven't seen the new ad but I don't think American Airlines is necessarily aiming at the same audience as Virgin Atlantic. Virgin has always painted itself as the pretender to BA's throne, a modern and funky alternative to the more established rival.
AA is probably opting to keep a more serious approach because it has 'American' in its name, so sees itself as representing the US. Rather like people tend to automatically trust a company with 'British' in the name, regardless of the service they receive.
on May 22, 2009 2:52 PM | Reply
Hi,
I'm interested to speak to someone who use to fly only business class but has now switched to the no frills airlines.
Cheers,
Joanna