Kevin Spacey is the new face of American Airlines

Set to hit UK TV screens around the country this week, American Airlines has announced the launch of a new TV advertising campaign starring Kevin Spacey. The new adverts, which form part of the ‘Discerning Customers’ campaign and follow on from previous adverts featuring Sopranos star James Gandolfini, will air for the first time on Tuesday 24th March at 06:12 on Sky Sports News during ‘Good Morning Sports Fans’.

Its first prime time appearance will be at 18:58 during the ITV Early Evening News on Central South. To see the ads online, visit aa.com/flagship.

Spacey was approached to front the campaign due to his ‘adopted Brit’ status with the UK audience which led to him researching well with American’s customers. Representing a discerning customer who lives a transatlantic lifestyle, he resonates with many of American’s existing and potential clientele.

This campaign is also significant because it represents Spacey’s first appearance in an advert, on either side of the Atlantic. He has voiced adverts in the US and directed adverts within the UK before but the new American campaign will be the first time he has become the ‘face’ of a brand. The choice to get involved furthers the existing partnership between American and The Old Vic Theatre and demonstrates the long-term relationship that is envisaged by both parties.

Adding to the star-studded nature of the new adverts is director and Academy Award winner Michel Gondry, who received his best screenwriter Oscar for the film ‘Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind’.

The adverts, which support American’s ‘We Know Why You Fly’ theme, work to align Spacey’s role as Artistic Director of London’s Old Vic Theatre with American’s Business Class experience. The 40s ad, ‘Seats for Landing’, focuses on the ‘best seat in the house’ theme and sees Spacey selecting American’s Next Generation Business Class seat as his favourite after considering a variety of options.

The 20s spot ‘Find your Marks’ focuses on the importance of timing to an actor, relating this to the hassle-free journey with American for the business traveller, while the final 20s spot ‘Good Start’ sees Spacey re-enact story-telling in-flight where once he reclines in his flat-bed to begin, he decides he’s actually too comfortable and everything can wait until morning.

American’s Vice President Sales & Marketing EMEA, Maria Sebastian, comments: “We are delighted to have Kevin Spacey as the new face of American Airlines and to extend the existing relationship which sees us sponsoring London’s Old Vic Theatre. Like our customers, American has long supported the arts, including sponsorship of BAFTA and bars in Nimax Theatre Group theatres around London and as a result we believe the adverts will be successful in both raising awareness and an increased understanding of our brand and services.”

In further celebration of the new campaign, the airline is also launching special Business Class fares on eight of its UK-US routes. Prices start from just £1047.80 for a return fare to New York JFK, including all taxes and surcharges. Terms and conditions apply and bookings can be made at aa.com.