You know you’re in for a fun ride when Bugs Bunny is your MC. This morning, the teams from Etihad Airways, Miral, Yas Island and Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island assembled, bringing together members of the travel trade, top frequent flyers and the media to unveil (literally) a fully integrated partnership including the airline’s first ever livery decorated with DC Super Heroes and Looney Toons classic characters. The partnership also covered onboard product and airport lounge enhancements. Plus a super-hero themed block-buster joint marketing campaign that really packs a punch.
Onboard
Etihad’s youngest flyers will soon be rewarded with Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island themed kids packs. Etihad’s mantra of Choose Well has really been taken to heart by the Product Design team, with little ones being given the chance to choose between a Batman Pack, a Wonder Woman Pack and a very inclusive Justice League Pack. Let’s just hope there are no onboard whack’s, blam’s or pow’s between siblings if stocks run low.
What’s even better is that these travel relevant giveaways (snuggle-blankie, water-bottle, backpack and carry case) have been thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind. Each item is intended to have an afterlife once the plane has landed and the holiday has begun. The partnership also sees a refreshed look to Etihad’s creative kid friendly meal service packs, with new serving wear and kid-friendly cutlery to be rolled out across fleets over coming months.
Lounge upgrade – Abu Dhabi and London
Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, added that the partnership will also see the Kids’ play areas in Airline’s lounges at Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi) and London Heathrow also receive an upgrade with the Looney Toons and Justice League themes being added in a flash.
A sparkling new B787 livery was also unveiled at a post-event hangar reception for a few lucky guests. The aircraft will operate first to London, before being allocated primarily to South East Asian stations on Etihad’s expanding network, servicing routes with higher average proportion of travellers seeking the family friendly facilities offered across Abu Dhabi and clustered on Yas Island.
Group CEO of Miral, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi shared the latest tourism figures showing healthy visitation to the Island’s family themed attractions including Sea World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and of course Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. Ryan Reynold, Yas’ recently appointed Chief Island Officer appears to be hitting his latest KPI’s.
“We look forward to welcoming more and more visitors inspired to visit our home, Abu Dhabi, and in particular delighting our Little VIP guests while they journey with us.” – Antonoaldo Neves, CEO – Etihad Airways
Not all heroes wear capes
This partnership represents the largest collaboration between Warner Bros. World Yas Island and Etihad Airways to date, cutting across Inflight Experience, Inflight Service & Catering, Marketing, Sponsorships, Communications, Sales and Operations.
Is that All Folks?
Not quite! A hyper-cute video campaign featuring the mini-me versions of the Theme Park’s heroes was also unveiled. This beautifully produced highly shareable content will no doubt be rolled out in key markets to boost destination awareness and drive bookings particularly over the upcoming Winter travel season. Etihad is currently offering Free Stopover packages encouraging guests to break their journey in the nation’s capital.
