Russia’s number one low cost carrier, Avianova, have created an interesting TV commercial featuring cabin crew scantily dressed in bikinis washing one of their aircraft while a group of airport fire fighters watch on. It plays like something you expect to see on one of those seedy pay-per-view channels in a cheap motel room – minus the nudity. Slow the clip down, play some 70’s chicka-chicka-bow-bow music, degrade the quality of the video and you have an award winning porno promo.
What can I say?
It appears that the term ‘low cost’ not only extends to their operation, but perhaps their flight attendants as well.
Airlines do have to be careful when creating campaigns like these. Despite the viral nature, the long term effects can impact unfavourably upon the airline brand as they continue to be remembered for one reason… or is that the point?
Perhaps Russia’s culture is less sensitive to this kind of advertising than us sensitive and politically correct westerners? I once worked on a Pacific Island and, every night at 11pm, the two island television networks would play explicit adult content. While the rest of the world was chatting about Seinfeld by the water-cooler, these people were discussing Nelly does Noumea.
Now, if you can excuse me, I have a job application to write.
What do you think?
Background music by Paul Rothman – “It’s Such a Good Night.”
Marty is a Grade 1 multi-engine/IFR flight instructor. He's spent most of his flying life to date in various turboprop types but is currently a Boeing 777 First Officer. Marty is also a programmer and operates a number of non-aviation businesses. You can read Marty's posts here or follow him on Twitter.
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Marty holds an airline transport (fixed-wing) licence, commercial (helicopter) licence and has also indulged in hang gliding, gliding and skydiving. He is a grade one flight instructor and holds instrument/multi engine training approvals. Marty is currently a Boeing 777 First Officer and CRM facilitator. 
Ken flew the Boeing 747-400 with Cathay Pacific, Airbus 310 with Emirates, and flew the Boeing 777 200/300 with Emirates for 10 years as a training captain. Ken is now a Check and Training on the Boeing 777-300ER with V Australia.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is disgraceful. Those poor girls must be freezing. “Low Cost” should not mean scrimping on staff uniforms. That would never happen at Thromby…
Regards,
Robert E. Coli
CEO Thromby Air – Lowest of the Low
http://www.thrombyair.com
Advertising has a huge impact on consumers. However, this is going overboard.