Deliver on Your Brand Promise

 

In the past month we have witnessed two airplane crashes of jets from major airlines in the United States. In both situations the flight crew performed heroic rescues of passengers on board. The result, no one was killed. The fiery crash here in Denver and the miraculous water landing in New York could have ended much differently. The safety training and performance of the flight crew allowed every passenger to keep their lives.

Having spent a brief time working in the airline industry, and knowing many relatives and friends who have done so too, I understand the countless hours airlines devote to safety. It is in the DNA of the airline industry. Unfortunately most of us when we travel do not think about thisattribute of the company we are flying. Sometimes, probably too often, we are more concerned with departure times, getting our beverage on time and how much we have to pay for checked luggage.

It is too bad that we have to get a wake up call from events like the ones in Denver and New York for us to realize the importance of flight safety. Airlines have been reluctant to promote safety as a brand attribute. Maybe these events should be a wake up call to the airlines too, and begin communicating this brand attribute. The people that walked away from those crashes and many more of us are now brand champions of those airlines. What do you think?