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In general, the competition between airlines around the world is fierce. Price wars and low price calendars are well known marketing strategies to win more customers.
But asking people to fly with the competition is a new twist. On Tuesday, Widerøe took that step, and the inspiration comes from Burger King, which did the same.
– We have a little trick on social media where we encourage Norwegians to fly. If they are not going to fly with Widerøe, at least choose one of the other airlines and support the industry in that way, communications manager Catharina Solli tells NRK.
– They must support each other
The ad has already received more than a thousand likes on Facebook, and several of the comments positively express how seemingly supportive the airline is with its competitors.
Solli explains that it is important to help the aviation industry stay afloat and not financially run aground in the future.
– Many have probably experienced a struggling industry in the same way as the transportation and tourism industry. This is precisely why we must support each other. We’ve been inspired by Burger King, who was out last night and said you should have a hamburger at McDonald’s too.
Head of Communications at Widerøe, Catharina Solli.
Photo: Widerøe
– But are you worried that now there is a flowering of the crown in Norway?
– Unfortunately it is a boom, but there are still some who have to leave and travel to get to work or the hospital and other reasons. So we must not forget that it is the airplanes that go, he says and continues:
– We simply promote airplanes as a means of transportation. Right now we have strict guidelines that we must of course adhere to, but flying is considered very safe.
– Didn’t you mention Wizz Air?
– We mentioned many airlines. If we mentioned all the airlines, that post would have been too long to use on social media.
Competitors thank you
Some may wonder why they mention Norwegian in the title and not, for example, SAS, which Widerøe has previously collaborated with.
The company has also thought about that.
– We chose Norwegian to emphasize that this applies to all of our competitors.
Norwegian CIO Lasse Sandaker-Nielsen gives a short and precise comment on what they think about the Widerøe hack.
– We think it is very kind and generous of Widerøe, he says.
SAS also appreciates the traction aid.
– This is a warm greeting to good colleagues in aviation, and we are happy to support the invitation to reserve a plane ticket, says press manager John Eckhoff to NRK.
It highlights that Widerøe and SAS have a prehistory that goes back to the past and that they still have a good collaboration.
– It is unmatched the most serious situation for aviation to date, and it is good that Widerøe is keeping his spirits and cheering on the competitors. We encourage.
– Will have zero effect
Reputation expert Trond Blindheim at Kristiania University College. I do not believe that the campaign will cause a particular increase in the sale of airline tickets.
– They tell something that everyone knows before and they do it to save jobs and to make people aware that the industry is struggling.
Blindheim believes that both the pandemic and environmental considerations mean that people will fly less in the future as well.
– The campaign may look a bit charming, but I don’t think it will have any effect. There are so many other social actors who encourage us not to travel by plane.
– I have no faith in promoting practical solidarity work for people who fly. It’s like I’m against all advice when it comes to both the weather and the pandemic. It is preferable not to travel so much.
