Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has appointed the Cheil Network to handle its global digital and social marketing activities, following a competitive pitch process recently held.
Cheil is now responsible for delivering Etihad Airways’ strategy and creative in all digital and social channels. The agency will also support Etihad Airways with performance-based marketing, analytics and reporting.
Etihad Airways will be served by Cheil’s global network of specialisms, with its digital specialists, The Barbarian Group, taking primary responsibility for driving best-in-class digital and social marketing for the airline.
Emirates Airline has selected a team of WPP agencies to handle its global branding and creative account after an extensive review.
Headquartered in London, Team Air draws on the combined resources of WPP agencies including Grey London and New York, RKCR/Y&R and Geometry Global, as well as Hogarth and TNS. Grey London and New York are working on brand communications for Emirates, and RKCR/Y&R will debut with activity to support the Rugby World Cup for which Emirates is a Worldwide Partner.
Emirates began an evaluation of its branding and creative needs last year to support the next phase of its brand development, and respond to new opportunities in a marketing and media industry that has seen significant changes.
Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand at Emirates, said: “Our investments in service, product and brand generate tangible returns in the form of customer satisfaction, hundreds of international and industry awards for excellence, and recognition as the world’s most valuable airline brand.
“Emirates is making progress on our journey to become a global lifestyle brand, and Team Air offers a unique collection of creative and branding skills that was custom-made to meet our needs. This tailoured approach, backed by the global resources of WPP, creates a formidable partner for any client.”
Chris Hunton, until recently the head of Team Land Rover for WPP and formerly the CEO of McCann Erickson London, will now lead Team Air.
Team Air is part of WPP, the world’s largest communications services group, with billings of nearly US$76 billion and revenues of nearly US$19 billion.
