Sopranos star in American Airlines TV push
American Airlines is launching its first TV advertising campaign in the UK since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 four years ago.
The promotional push – with TV ads featuring James Gandolfini from The Sopranos – comes on the back of the carrier claiming the busiest summer of transatlantic carryings in five years.
The airline recorded transatlantic passenger traffic carryings of 5,845,346 revenue passenger miles for the June to August period, an increase of 16.5% on the levels in 2000. Transatlantic load factor was up from 86.9 per cent to 88 per cent. Capacity for this summer was up by 14.8% against the same period in 2000.
American said the new advertising campaign comes against the backdrop of one of the most challenging times for the airline industry with record high fuel prices and continuing economic uncertainty within the industry, particularly in the US.
The carrier has been restructuring its operations, reducing costs and placing a focus on “customer value”. American’s 1,133 UK-based staff have come up with hundreds of cost-saving ideas which have generated more than £17 million in annual cost savings.
Europe and Pacific vice-president Craig Kreeger said: “Over the last few years we have been focused on ensuring the stability of our business. Although it continues to be a testing time for our industry, by working with our employees and focussing on our customers we can ensure American’s future.
“The UK is an important part of American Airlines’ future and I am pleased that we can support our operations with a fresh brand campaign that reminds UK travellers of all that we have to offer.”
As reported by TravelMole, American starts daily Newcastle-New York flights next May.
“After a relatively quiet period, we feel now is the right time to reawaken the American Airlines brand with UK travellers and this campaign represents a long term plan to drive brand awareness and consideration specifically amongst business travellers,” said David Hardy, European manager regional marketing.
“We have created an original campaign that expresses our stature and experience of delivering service and value to our customers and we believe it will resonate with consumers.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps