What's the PR Value of This U.S. Airways Miracle Crash Anyway?

January 18, 2009 at 3:12 PM | by Victor Ozols | Comment (1)

We can't stop thinking about Thursday's U.S. Airways crash-landing - in which all of zero people were killed in the plane's violent plunge into the Hudson River in freezing temperatures - because it's simply an incredible story. To achieve such a positive outcome required both the amazing skills of the crew and a generous measure of good luck. And now that it's all over and everybody's okay, it's fair to think about the PR value of the incident to U.S. Airways.

It's hard to deny that the flying public suddenly feels a little bit more goodwill toward U.S. Airways than they did prior to the accident. Just think: if you're an airline, and you have to have an accident, this is exactly the kind of accident you want to have, one that: a) Is in no way your fault (blame those darn Canadian geese), and b) Demonstrates that you hire the very best pilots in the business (that Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III is a straight-up pimp in most people's minds these days).

But what's it all worth? Will the incident inspire travelers to choose U.S. Airways over its competitors in 2009? It's looking good so far, with the company's shares rising 13% in trading on Friday. But airlines are a tough business, and fliers have long chosen carriers based on price, convenience, and the existence of in-flight TV and wifi, rather than the perception of risk. Still, a story as incredible as this one will likely stay on people's minds for a long time.

What do you think? Are you more likely to fly U.S. Airways because of this incident, or do you think that all modern airlines have similarly-skilled crews? Please share your views on the PR value of the U.S. Airways flight 1549 incident below.

· Successful Outcome of US Airways Crash Gives Shares a Lift [The Wall Street Journal]
· Flight 1549 Coverage [Jaunted]

Comment (1)

Return to » What's the PR Value of This U.S. Airways Miracle Crash Anyway?

You may have meant it as a pun ("Blame Canada!") but those were not "Canadian geese". They are "Canada Geese" - the proper name of the species is "Canada Goose". This is the name of the bird, whether they were hatched in Canada or the United States.

Regardless, you're right on target, and I'll say what you probably can't: Sullenberger probably deserves all the credit he's getting and more, but I can't see why US Airways deserves any. He was trained as a pilot by the US Air Force, not by US Airways, and from what I hear on the radio comments, they don't teach you in commercial aviation how to do what he did - he drew upon his own knowledge and skill to land the plane as safely as he did. For any credit in this miracle to inure to the benefit of US Airways almost amounts to larceny on the part of the company.

Jaunted

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