As published by ABTN
Nice to see that there is justice in the world!!
Quote:
British Airways is now officially “the fastest airline in the West!”
All right. The West Midlands!
Its all thanks to no-frills carrier MyTravelLite’s most recent
publicity stunt – the “Great Airline Race to Paris”.
It seems that those cheeky chappies at the former Airtours spin-off
invited three journalists to race from Birmingham International
Airport to the Arc de Triomphe, flying to Beauvais Airport with
MyTravelLite, and Charles de Gaulle Airport with British Airways and
Air France. Each journalist had to check-in a bag at Birmingham and,
once in Paris, they were not allowed to seek assistance other than to
ask directions, and were only allowed to use public transport.
Presumably the idea was to prove that it is quicker to travel to the
centre of Paris from a small airport, even if it is 50 miles from the
Champs Elysee.
MyTravelLite were very confident of winning the race - perhaps because
they hadn’t told either British Airways or Air France about it!
Plans were laid. The previous day managing director Tim Jeans, two
press officers and two cabin crew, together with specially printed
banners, and posters positioned out to Paris. A photo-call was
arranged to snap the winner crossing the finishing line.
Sadly for MyTravelLite the first person to the Etoile turned out to be
the British Airways passenger. He reckoned it was cheaper too!
Marks out of ten as a
PR stunt, Zero! It’s a good job Tim has left
Michael O’Leary.
Unquote.
BD