Because if there’s one thing that everyone’s been complaining about, it’s the dearth of “high quality, aesthetically pleasing prints located on the top surface of [airline] tray tables.”
Innovative New Advertising Medium Takes to the Skies!
America West Airlines (NYSE: AWA), in conjunction with Las Vegas-based SkyMedia International, today announced the launch of tray table advertising, a new and innovative advertising medium.
Through high quality, aesthetically pleasing prints located on the top surface of the airline’s tray tables, advertisers will have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to reach a very desirable demographic for an extended period of time.
Oh, rapture.
But don’t fear that there might be ugly clashes between competing onboard ads …
Only one advertiser per aircraft will be permitted under the agreement. Mercedes-Benz USA, Bank of America and The History Channel will be the first companies to provide advertisements on America West aircraft, effective Dec. 15, 2003. America West is the first airline in the U.S. to launch tray table advertising.
Another reason to avoid them like the plague.
America West Vice President of Marketing Ken Feldman said, “Onboard advertising provides customers a novel opportunity to learn about the products and services offered by quality, forward-thinking advertisers.”
Or to swear undying enmity at the firms jamming still more ads down a captive audience’s throat.
“SkyMedia is proud and excited to be in partnership with America West, one of the nation’s premier airlines,” said Nick Pajic, president of SkyMedia. “With an average domestic flight time of 2.5 hours, our advertisers will be able to achieve a level of penetration, impact and recall unmatched by virtually any other medium.”
That sure sounds, um, “friendly.” In the “mugging-in-an-alley” meaning of the word.
“Tray table advertising, implemented in an appealing and appropriate way, will be a ‘win-win-win’ proposition for America West, its customers and our advertisers,” added Laurence Hallier, principal shareholder and chairman of SkyMedia.
I’m not sure how AW customers “win” in this, unless it keeps costs down a scosh. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but …
Next up: ads on the bottom of tray tables, so that you have to stare at them during take-off and landings …
(via PRBop)