In this edition of quirky news, Michael O'Leary may have endless ideas how to land himself on front pages, but when it comes to slogans, the airline industry is apparently short on ideas.
Take the slogan "Now you're flying". Which red-themed airline recently introduced it? Choose your hemisphere: both Virgin Australia and CityJet use the strapline.
Virgin Australia introduced "Now you're flying" in May-2011 in a 60-second ad as part of its re-branding from Virgin Blue.
CityJet, a regional carrier part of the Air France-KLM group, introduced the same slogan in Sep-2011 to promote its European network from its London City operating base.
"The bold statement emphasises the airline’s commitment to exceptional service at every touch point with the customer," the carrier says in an announcement that resonates with Virgin Australia's principles. But wait, they get closer. Consider these two statements, and guess which airline said which one (leave a comment).
"By choosing to fly with us, our customers aren’t just choosing to get from A to B, they are choosing to travel properly, with an airline that knows how it’s done well and, more importantly, is ready to go the extra mile to make their journey a good one."
"[The ad] reflects an airline that understands one of its greatest strengths is a modern, dynamic service offering...It has listened to what customers want today - and created the right kind of experience."
Before you consider woe to Virgin Australia for having its slogan duplicated (or is imitation the sincerest form of flattery?), consider that perhaps marketing has come full-circle after Virgin, for its partnership with Etihad, introduced the slogan "A new world of choice".
Sound familiar? You bet.
Comments
I'm going to put my money on Virgin Australia as making the second statement.