QF Staff angered by new safety video

[drewbles]

From NoNews:

John Travolta's cameo in Qantas safety video angers flight crew

A NEW Qantas safety video introduced by Hollywood actor John Travolta has been labeled "cringe-worthy" by the airline's flight attendants and pilots, annoyed that the actor refers to them as a "team" instead of a crew, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

Source: John Travolta's cameo in Qantas safety video angers flight crew | News.com.au

 

[Mal]

What does amaze me is how slow the media are. Let me guess - they were bored on a Saturday night, so started searching PPRUNE (or another crew forum) for things to report on... and hey - instant story!

 

[MatF]

I know it's been (and is still being) discussed elsewhere, but I must admit that this bit:

"The video opens with Travolta, named the airline's ambassador in 2010, dressed in a pilot's uniform and hat, announcing, "This is your captain speaking - well, maybe not today.

"But I can guarantee that the guys on the flight deck and the greater team care just as much about aircraft safety as I do."

... makes me cringe. Seems to suggest that clearly we're very fortunate that Qantas pilots care as much about aircraft safety as JT (who apparently is some kind of beacon of aircraft safety)

The new video did make me pay attention the first couple of times I saw it though.

 

[Moody]

I know it's been (and is still being) discussed elsewhere, but I must admit that this bit:

"The video opens with Travolta, named the airline's ambassador in 2010, dressed in a pilot's uniform and hat, announcing, "This is your captain speaking - well, maybe not today.

"But I can guarantee that the guys on the flight deck and the greater team care just as much about aircraft safety as I do."

... makes me cringe. Seems to suggest that clearly we're very fortunate that Qantas pilots care as much about aircraft safety as JT (who apparently is some kind of beacon of aircraft safety)

The new video did make me pay attention the first couple of times I saw it though.

The fact that this safety video makes you cringe says more about your insecurities than JT's ego. And at least there is some sense in JT being a Qantas ambassador, which makes a change from the usual has-been sportspeople.

I quite like the ads and they still capture my interest for a few seconds, which is what they are designed to do.

 

[tuapekastar]

I think there is a mild 'dag' factor to it, but nothing that is really untoward, annoying or unsettling.

 

[aus_flyer]

The fact that this safety video makes you cringe says more about your insecurities than JT's ego.

Insecurities? What rubbish. The poster is entitled to his view.

Personally, I agree with MatF. IMHO it's tacky, and the fact that an airline which prides itself on being the 'Spirit of Australia' has an American fronting it's safety video seems a little odd.

 

[MatF]

The fact that this safety video makes you cringe says more about your insecurities than JT's ego

Insecurities? I don't understand your point, you may have to explain it for me.

I have no idea if JT has high aircraft safety standards or not (nor do I care, actually). Probably no different to any other part time pilot? My cringing is related to hearing an actor (and that's the only reason why it's him in the video) reassuring me that "the guys on the flight deck" care as much about safety as he does. Qantas ambassador (which of course is nothing more than publicity) or not, it's ridiculous in my opinion.

If I was a Qantas pilot I'd be more than a little offended, to be honest.

 

[mannej]

Insecurities? I don't understand your point, you may have to explain it for me.

I have no idea if JT has high aircraft safety standards or not (nor do I care, actually). Probably no different to any other part time pilot? My cringing is related to hearing an actor (and that's the only reason why it's him in the video) reassuring me that "the guys on the flight deck" care as much about safety as he does. Qantas ambassador (which of course is nothing more than publicity) or not, it's ridiculous in my opinion.

If I was a Qantas pilot I'd be more than a little offended, to be honest.

But then again who are people more likely to listen to? Captain "hello again" or JT?

I much rather JT than an animation.


Sent from my iPhone using AFF Mobile

 

[opusman]

The video is definitely worse than the old one. I mean - "We know you're perfectly capable of operating a seatbelt," but we're going to tell you how to operate this one in case you're not perfectly capable but in fact are an idiot? J.T. is nowhere near as irritating as this patronising cr*p!

 

[medhead]

JT no doubt earns a big fat retainer for being the qantas ambassador. Of course, he is highly interested in safety, it does after all get him his pay check.

I just hope his approach to safety isn't the same as the Scientology approach to child birth - just tell yourself it doesn't hurt. :shock:

 

[samh004]

I think there is a mild 'dag' factor to it, but nothing that is really untoward, annoying or unsettling.

Likewise, I have looked up a few more times than I did before they introduced it, but I’m not too bothered by it. I see it as Qantas trying to spice up their image, and probably trying to copy Air NZ, without going the full way that they do, as they’re too 'business-oriented'.

 

[Sprucegoose]

JT no doubt earns a big fat retainer for being the qantas ambassador. Of course, he is highly interested in safety, it does after all get him his pay check.

I just hope his approach to safety isn't the same as the Scientology approach to child birth - just tell yourself it doesn't hurt. :shock:

I am not sure of the commercial arrangement but do understand he approached Qantas in the first instance.

 

[jb747]

I wonder if the deal might actually be related to his 707, and its paint scheme?

Anyway, I hate the use of the term 'team'....almost as much as I hate the use of the word 'customers'.

Whatever was wrong with crew and passengers? In any event, if it's a term that marketing invent, I do my very best not to use it.

 

[Andyzx]

Also will add a negative vote for JT. Actually thought it was another advertisment that they put everwhere now (i.e. on the entertainment system) and missed the first part of it. Yes a seat belt is a seat belt and its easy to use but I dont mind being reminded.

 

[medhead]

..almost as much as I hate the use of the word 'customers'.

At least customer partially applies to the relationship with passengers.

I once worked at a place where they enforced legislation. Some bright spark decided that we needed to talk about our customers, focus on customer service and measure how we are meeting our customers needs. Yeah right, take some guy to court I'm sure they'll have positive things to say about their customer experience.

 

[docjames]

/off topic/
ISTR:
Last time JT was in Australia, he alluded to the fact that QF assists with maintenance of the 707 in exchange for his services as "ambassador at large". :shock:

/on topic/
The bit with JT is a bit cheesy at the start, but agree the use of the word team incessantly along with the "we know you know how to use a seatbelt" etc is far more of an issue than JT's brief appearance at the start. Most of the video players are so old, by the time JT's bit has spooled up and the volume / tracking settles, it's basically over anyway.

 

[JohnPhelan]

If having JT at the start makes people look up at it and watch, then it has been a success.

Actually, it also indicates that QF should frequently change the way the video starts, as a different start makes people engage. I can't recall how long "Captain Hello Again" was on, but it was too many years and he was far too unexciting. (No offence, Captain, if you're reading this. Being an excellent captain does not necessarily make you a watchable TV personality!)

The goal is to make people watch the video - having JT introduce it does just that (as does Air NZ's little Ringo character, and VA's animations).

And it is totally beyond me why anybody would object to the use of the word "team". It is a word that connotes "working together" in a way that "crew" does not.

 

[jb747]

Captain 'hello again' is really called Mal. He really is an A380 pilot. Also a very long time senior check captain...but still a very decent bloke. If **** had to happen, I'd be very happy to be with him.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Captain 'hello again' is really called Mal. He really is an A380 pilot. Also a very long time senior check captain...but still a very decent bloke. If **** had to happen, I'd be very happy to be with him.

I liked Captain 'hello again'. Great voice, much deeper and more authoritative ( and credible) than JT.
I think JT is more likely to be a distraction to the nervous new flyers.

 

[jb747]

And it is totally beyond me why anybody would object to the use of the word "team". It is a word that connotes "working together" in a way that "crew" does not.

I'm not trying to stir the pot here...

The crew are, well, part of a crew. Crews are teams, yes. The command structure of both might be interesting to visit.

But...historically passengers are passengers. They understand that, and seem quite happy to be called such.

The crew have been the crew for ever (although there are a couple of types of crew). Mostly they think of themselves as crew (although "I'm not" might be heard if you listen carefully). Suddenly changing the term to 'teams' is odd. It does not empower anyone....just sounds like crass marketing bs.

The structure remains that of a crew. I am in charge, and all bucks stop with me. It is not a democracy, although all input is welcome. Delegation is almost absolute...if you can fix the issue, then do so. How else would you want an aeroplane to run?