I love old aviation ads, as it’s always fun to see how the airline industry has changed. Well, if you’re looking for an old aviation-related ad this Saturday morning, look no further. A friend sent me a link to a promotional video put out by London City Airport in the early 1990s (Londonist wrote about this five years ago). It’s kind of hilarious, kind of interesting, and oh-so-90s.
The nearly eight minute video is intended to showcase how much more convenient London City is than London Heathrow for business travelers, though based on the opening imagery, music, and commentary, you’d think you were tuning into an episode of Forensic Files (which, frankly, is probably what I’d otherwise be watching right now, so that works out — c’mon, folks, it’s always the spouse, look out for any newly acquired life insurance policies, and don’t let them poison you with cyanide, is it that complicated?!).
But nope, you’re just learning about Elizabeth James, “someone who is in a hurry, but who wants air travel to be the best.” After all, “she needs to be in the center of London, on time, ready to do business, without drama, without delay.”
I do find it somewhat amusing how Elizabeth is choosing to sit in the middle seat, with seats on both sides of her empty. And where did Elizabeth’s checked bag suddenly appear from when she gets ready to travel to Dublin? And then there’s how “the international departures lounge gives her time to relax, contact her office, and check up on the London markets,” even though boarding for her flight to Dublin starts as soon as she gets there.
As an avgeek, I also can’t help but stare longingly at the number of beautiful Avro RJ 85s featured in the video. You don’t see many of those flying anymore!
Anyway, you can watch the video here for yourself:
Like I said, I found the video to be both amusing and a nice aviation throwback. Though if you ask me, it’s the dramatic music throughout the video that really takes it to the next level.
What do you make of this London City Airport promotional video?
Post BA Baby Bus JFK LCY era #sad.
Oh I miss Crossair! It was a superb regional European airline with an extensive network out of its hubs in Basel and Zurich. Champagne was standard in economy class, together with a hot meal even on short routes. As a subsidiary of Swissair, it managed to survive the bankruptcy of the Sair Group and emerged as the legal foundation of SWISS. That is why SWISS‘ iata code is LX (Formerly the one from Crossair). It...
Oh I miss Crossair! It was a superb regional European airline with an extensive network out of its hubs in Basel and Zurich. Champagne was standard in economy class, together with a hot meal even on short routes. As a subsidiary of Swissair, it managed to survive the bankruptcy of the Sair Group and emerged as the legal foundation of SWISS. That is why SWISS‘ iata code is LX (Formerly the one from Crossair). It is also the reason why SWISS‘ headquarter is in Basel and not Zurich. Basel airport used to be the main hub, with morning and evening flights to all parts of Europe (nicknamed Eurocross). Crossair was also famous in assigning nicknames to its airplane types. That is why the Avro RJ 85/100 is nowadays still referred to as the „Jumbolino“ and the Saab2000 „Concordino“. The extensive lounge at Basel airport, which seems oversized nowadays, is also a remnant of this prestigious airline.
I dig the Melrose Place faux-jazz, lol!!
Long and repeats often. Wonder where this would be shown.
Interesting video which shows what air travel was like before the intrusive security systems in place today . I too remember flying from Tweed New Haven, on United and arriving 5 minutes before takeoff time, through my bag on the scale and went straight to the open door to board the plane. Now I must arrive at least one hour before time, and cool my heals as I go through baggage check and security check...
Interesting video which shows what air travel was like before the intrusive security systems in place today . I too remember flying from Tweed New Haven, on United and arriving 5 minutes before takeoff time, through my bag on the scale and went straight to the open door to board the plane. Now I must arrive at least one hour before time, and cool my heals as I go through baggage check and security check and be no later than 15 minutes before scheduled departure. Yes, air travel was MUCH more enjoyable in the 1990's.
I really miss the BAe 146. The coach seats were as big as first on most airlines these days!
But that was back in the days where they put 2-2 seatings in BAe 146. My last flight from LCY back in late 2017 was also on a BAe 146 (CityJet for KLM), but they already changed it to 2-3 seatings a while ago which was quite cramped.
I was excited to use LCY in 2019 when I took a trip to Dublin.
I had to fly out of Heathrow but I made sure my flight back to London would be through LCY. Alas, the day before my flight, BA informed me via email that my flight would be cancelled. At first I thought it wasn’t too bad. The alternate flight was only 2 hours after my original one. But I had...
I was excited to use LCY in 2019 when I took a trip to Dublin.
I had to fly out of Heathrow but I made sure my flight back to London would be through LCY. Alas, the day before my flight, BA informed me via email that my flight would be cancelled. At first I thought it wasn’t too bad. The alternate flight was only 2 hours after my original one. But I had misread. It was 26 hours later.
Although on one hand, I would have a bit more time to see Dublin, I would have to scramble to find accommodation on short notice. And then my London accommodation WP updates not be cancelled.
The BA app wouldn’t work for me and advised me to call their office. However, it was after hours and I was on hold on BA’s customer support line and they advised me to use the app instead! I thought it was pretty poor to cancel a flight at really short notice and not provide a way to reach them (I did receive compensation though but that’s standard and I didn’t have to call for that.)
In the end, BA managed to put me on an Aer Lingus flight on the same day as my original flight but I had to go through Heathrow instead. The ride in from Heathrow was yet another story in itself.
Heathrow guy who allowed only one hour between landing and getting to his meeting was nothing short of delusional, even back in the ‘90s.
If only air travel were that care free and easy today.
Wow! I will be sure to use London City next time I fly in my shoulder pads and pearls, lest I die in the gutter like Heathrow Jeffrey
Electric aviation has the potential to revive services like this they operate close to city centers because they're far less impactful to neighbors from pollution and noise.
Let's be realistic, the US isn't going to build major high speed rail infrastructure, this could be a great alternative.
Crossair was Switzlerland's regional airline. Smaller and nimbler than Swissair, they provided far superior service in intra Europe flights compared to their much larger sibling. They also offered business class service in all their flights and flew some interesting aircraft such as the Jumbolino, seen in the video. Unfortunately it followed the fate of Swissair and went kaput. Amazing a small country like Switzerland had two great airlines. It was great while it lasted. Now...
Crossair was Switzlerland's regional airline. Smaller and nimbler than Swissair, they provided far superior service in intra Europe flights compared to their much larger sibling. They also offered business class service in all their flights and flew some interesting aircraft such as the Jumbolino, seen in the video. Unfortunately it followed the fate of Swissair and went kaput. Amazing a small country like Switzerland had two great airlines. It was great while it lasted. Now the Germans control all swiss airline service with disappointing results.
Actually, Crossair was used as the basis for the new Swiss, which still can be seen in the Iata code (LX) and ticket numbers (724 …). And in the beginning it was also the Crossair management who was in charge of the new Swiss.
Unfortunately I have to agree about your take on the service quality since the takeover by LH.
I’m wondering where you’d place an 8+ minute promotional video in the 1990s?
Late night BBC TV slot?
Seat back video?
Pre-movie theater ad?
Help me out British friends.
Also, don’t be an idiot like Jeffrey.
It certainly wouldn't be on the BBC (no advertising allowed)
Far too long to be a cinema ad
The video tape would likely have been sent (along with a promotional booklet and a few freebies such as pens and maybe a coffee mug) to corporate travel agents for companies located in Canary Wharf and The City to try and get them to switch from LHR to LCY.
We used it for promotional purposes, targeting corporates, travel agents etc. I personally used it for media buying agencies and showed it to airline targets. Worked brilliantly well.
I last flew into LCY just before the pandemic, in March 2020 and yes, it was still very efficient - unless bad weather strikes.
But it makes feel nostalgic to see Crossair, which was a wonderful airline. I remember flying them in the 90s, in Economy, and the service and seart pitch was a lot better than in Business today …
Thank you Ben.
You made my Saturday!
LOL. After watching this video, I'm never flying Heathrow again!
I love the video. So very London in the 1990s. Makes me feel old and nostalgic at the same time.