In the past, I have written about the best airline music for boarding (which I listen to often at home). I'm continuing the theme of airline-related items at home and today I want to share my top airline ads from the past 20 years.
Combining marketing and airlines is what I love the most. These ads are even more fun in a time where many people travel less than they used to.
These ads are so diverse that it is difficult to rank them. However, here are my top picks.
Campaign Etihads Flying Reimagined
Ah, the days when Etihad was super ambitious and not yet a mess. It was quite a few months. This ad with Nicole Kidman is so fun and whimsical. It was also the beginning of Etihad's (briefly) status as an ultra-luxurious carrier. It's hard to believe that Etihads A380s have become a distant memory.
American Airlines post-9/11 ad campaign
You might be surprised to see an American Airlines commercial on this list. However, the post 9/11 advertising campaign of the company was amazing and the tagline rings more true than ever.
We are an airline. It is clear that we are much more than just an airline.
This ad seems timely as we have just passed the 20th anniversary 9/11 and the industry is facing its greatest challenges since then.
British Airways To Fly, To Serve campaign
Advertising is a great aspect of British Airways. The below British Airways advertisement, which recounts aviation's advancements, is my favorite.
The below video is not a traditional advertisement. However, the British Airways Visit Mum campaign, which runs for five minutes, is one of my favorite videos. It should make you weep.
KLM's 100 Years Of Progress campaign
KLM created an amazing ad to celebrate its 100th anniversary. It showcases the advancement of aviation since the company's inception. The message is great and the quality of the production is excellent, considering the number of aircraft and uniforms featured over the years.
Singapore Airlines The Lengths We Travel campaign
Singapore Airlines is such a well-known brand. The airline has many memorable ads campaigns. The Lengths We Go 2013 campaign is my favorite. The music and the imagery are amazing!
Turkish Airlines Widen Your World campaign
Morgan Freeman, let's be real, could easily read the ingredients list for a Fiber One bar. I would be interested in it. Combining Morgan Freeman and Turkish Airlines creates magic.
Although not as relatable as the above Turkish Airlines advertisement, avgeeks will enjoy it. It features kids who are just as passionate about planes as I am. These kids are me in Miami (since they live below the approach path to MIA), but I don't have to build a runway.
Qantas Feels Like Home campaign
Although this advertisement is pre-coronavirus, I believe it's still relevant to many people. Many Australians feel at home as soon as they board a Qantas flight to another country. This ad perfectly captures this feeling, along with the joy of reconnecting with loved ones.
Campaign Emirates Jennifer Aniston
Flying in Emirates A380 first-class is the most fun way to fly. This Emirates advertisement from many years ago, featuring Jennifer Aniston, sums up the essence of this amazing airline.
Although it is objectively quite cringeworthy, I love the catchy Emirates I Want To Fly The World commercial.
Let's not forget about the amazing stunt Emirates pulled off. A flight attendant climbed up to Burj Khalifa in order to display signs.
Lufthansas Fanhansa Campaign
Although the ads aren't as sentimental than some others, Lufthansa deserves credit for its funny Fanhansa ads. This ad features two Brits who book on Lufthansa. It's funny to see how they experience Lufthansa and not what they expected.
Lufthansa's India Market ad featured a similar message. It was hilarious.
SWISS The People Behind SWISS Campaign
Although this is more of an advertisement than a movie, fellow geeks will enjoy the SWISS video below, which shows how much goes into airline operations. It's also quite good.
Bottom line
The above list is a good selection of some of my favourite airline ads. There are many ads to choose from, including inspirational post-9/11 ads and ads that showcase the wonders of aviation.
Which airline advertisements are your favorites?
