Fri, Apr 01, 2011
Cockpit Naming Rights Also Being Considered
ANN April 1st Special Edition:
Several major airlines announced Friday that, as of April 1st,
announcements from the cockpit will be preceded by a commercial.
Airline executives said they had several major sponsors lined up
for the launch of the service.
"Nothing is more American than advertising," said American
Airlines CEO Gerard J. Arpey (pictured, above). "It only makes
sense that, with 50-400 captive sets of ears in the back that we'd
be able to make a significant impact on the buying public."
"Pilots are known for their smooth delivery in their "this is
your captain speaking" announcements," added Jeffery A. Smisek,
president and CEO of United Continental Holdings. "The smooth,
usually baritone, measured delivery telling the passengers that
"we're about to experience a little turbulence" is a natural for
selling shampoo or floor wax. To return the airline to
profitability, we had to think outside the box. There are only so
many fees with which you can gouge ... er ... ask your customers to
pay."
A Southwest employee speaking on condition on anonymity said the
low-fare carrier is also considering selling the naming rights to
its cockpits. "We've got to do something to keep up," the employee
said. A sample script sent to ANN has captains saying "Good
afternoon ladies and gentleman, from the Geico Flight Deck, this is
captain ______________, and I'm assisted here in the Geico cockpit
by first officer ___________________, ...".
Jeppesen is reportedly working on a teleprompter iPad app for
inclusion in its electronic flight bag.
"Advertising is here to stay, and it's included in everything,"
said Delta CEO Richard H. Anderson (pictured, above), who said the
Atlanta-based carrier has already locked up a deal with fellow
Atlanta company Coca Cola. Anderson said the deal is not only for
cockpit announcements, but also for new livery to have Delta jets
painted like bottles of Coke.
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