Question

Topic: Other

Ideas For A New Route Launch

Posted by donalhealy78 on 5/23/2009 at 7:29 PM ET 500 Points
Hi Guys, I work for an airport in Ireland and we are launching a new route to Alicante (Spain) on 5th June. We are trying to think of a Spanish themed format for the day of the launch ie something we can do to catch the attention and make for a great picture opportunity that would give us good exposure in regional and national media. Justwondering if anyone has done something similar and could advise of a quirky theme for a photo or for something to have on the day??
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 5/23/2009 at 7:37 PM Accepted
    June 5th isn't for another couple weeks. Why not wait until some time nearer the launch? <./sarcasm>

    Is the launch date a big surprise? Is there some reason you've waiting until now to think about a launch theme? Typically we recommend at least 2-3 months for planning and executing an event like this. The timing constraint for your launch really limits the options, as well as the time to get our creative juices flowing.

    (And when we come up with a few great ideas, you probably won't be able to implement them fast enough.)
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 5/24/2009 at 9:48 AM Accepted
    On the day, have a contest for everyone on the first flight to Alicante. Submit the exact local time (down to the second) that the flight touches down. The winner gets a year free flying on your airlines, cash, a vacation splurge, etc. Make it big.

    If you had more time, you could advertise the contest to fill up the seats on the flight (that's the cost of entry) and get some PR to announce your "arrival".
  • Posted on 5/24/2009 at 8:41 PM Moderator
    I really like Jay's idea. (He's good at this stuff!) There's a big risk, though: If the flight is even a few minutes late, you'll be advertising the fact that your flights will not be on time. Even if it's a fluke and/or not your fault, the thing people will remember (and laugh about) is the fact that you were late on the inaugural flight.

    But, hey, it's a high visibility event that can get you a lot of visibility and press. And it can be pulled off in just a few days. Any chance you can very quickly create some advertising and buzz about this? Are you willing to take the risk in return for the publicity.
  • Posted by Gary Bloomer on 5/25/2009 at 10:35 PM Accepted
    Dear Donal,

    A general knowledge quiz with multiple answers might be a good idea for a quiz, with the winner getting an all expenses paid vacation for two.

    Hmm? Other thoughts. Alicante is Arabic for "city of lights", and it was the Arabs that gave the city its name. Could you have a theme to do with "no other airline can hold a candle to us"?

    Alicante was the last city to be occupied by General Franco's troops on April 1, 1939, so perhaps there's a "liberation" theme there? But it might upset the locals. Not good.

    6 June is the anniversary of "D" Day, (ditto above)
    6 June is also Corpus Christi - a national holiday in Spain, and there are huge parades all over the country.

    Could you tie in the Costa Blanca theme with "Not Gonna Costa Ya a Lotta!" if your flights are cheap (a bit lame I know but it could have some mileage in it).

    Er? That's about it from me for tonight I'm afraid.

    I hope these thoughts help somewhat.

    Gary Bloomer
    Wilmington, DE, USA

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