Air New Zealand comes out swinging on social media before a RWC game against Ireland (Video)
“Unlike Canadian airlines, Air New Zealand really engaged their audience with a funny video and tweet during the Rugby World Cup. ”
I find Canadian airlines to be quite boring and straight edge in their marketing and social media(I’m especially talking about you Air Canada). WestJet does have a bit of fun with their Christmas videos, but other than that, the marketing campaigns from the major airlines leave a lot to be desired.
That’s why, when I saw this tweet from Star Alliance airline Air New Zealand, I thought it was brilliant! (Video below)
Cheeky title tells the story!
Why the tweet? Well New Zealand and Ireland played in the quarter final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup last week, and Air New Zealand released this just prior to the match. This was a massive match-up, as it pitted the number 1 and 2 teams in the world according to the Rugby World Rankings.
Air NZ didn’t stop there, they even egged on Aer Lingus for a response! (I flew Aer Lingus from Toronto to Dublin, and I didn’t find them to be that cheeky!)
Can you imagine Air Canada (a Canada Olympic team sponsor) or West Jet creating a video like this during the Olympic hockey tournament? I don’t think so, although this is the authentic, but edgy, interaction that consumers like to see when building a brand.
Aer Lingus didn’t let them when outright, they provided a response, at least on Twitter.
Unfortunately, the Irish didn’t show up on the field, losing 41-14 to the Kiwi’s who will go on to face the Brit’s this weekend. What other tricks does the social media have up their sleeve? Looks like I need to book them on my next Aeroplan mRTW!
