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Disney Teams with American Airlines to Launch 'Planes'

American Airlines and the Walt Disney Studios announce a strategic collaboration on the upcoming Disney’s Planes movie, including the premiere of a special version of the film’s trailer for LAX customers and American’s new custom animated commercial.

LOS ANGELES – American Airlines and the Walt Disney Studios have announced a strategic collaboration on the upcoming Disney’s Planes movie, including a cameo appearance by Tripp -- inspired in part by American’s Boeing 777-300ER, the newest addition to American’s fleet.

Tripp dons the airline’s new look, complete with the company’s newly developed flight symbol and stripes on his tail for a special cameo appearance in the film.

“Disney is a global family brand and working with them gives us a fun opportunity to connect with families who know and love the iconic American Airlines brand,” said Rob Friedman, American’s Vice President – Marketing. “Through this collaboration, we have a lot of great things planned for this summer, including exciting trip promotions and in-airport activities, so I encourage everyone to stay tuned.”

To kick off the excitement, American and Disney this morning surprised customers traveling through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with gate celebrations and giveaways, including special guest appearances by the film’s director Klay Hall and actor Carlos Alazraqui, who provides the voice of passionate racer El Chupacabra (El Chu) in the film.

In addition, American and Disney today premiered a special version of the Disney’s Planes trailer for LAX customers, as well as American’s new custom animated commercial directed by Hall, and developed in conjunction with McCann Worldgroup. In the spot, characters from the movie, including Dusty, El Chu and Tripp, highlight American’s fleet modernization efforts with a comedic flare. American also held the inflight debut of the trailer and commercial spot onboard Flight #2442 from LAX to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The trailer, ad spot and images of Tripp are available for viewing starting today at aa.com/disneyplanes.

Watch the exclusive trailer and ad, below:

“I’m a lifelong aviation fan and ‘Disney’s Planes’ has allowed me to explore so many facets of flying,” said Hall. “I think the addition of Tripp to our lineup really adds to the fun, particularly for aviation buffs like me.”

Disney’s Planes and Tripp soar into theaters nationwide beginning Aug. 9, 2013. Leading up to the film’s release, the companies plan to roll out an integrated marketing effort, including collaborated advertising, promotions and inflight entertainment. American will also feature an inflight version of the movie in October, one month earlier than other airlines, as part of American’s continuing effort to provide customers with the latest and most exclusive content.

Source: Walt Disney Studios

Jennifer Wolfe's picture

Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.