Pakistan Airlines Ad Criticized for Plane Flying Toward Eiffel Tower
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country’s national carrier, has come under fire for releasing an advertisement showing a plane flying directly toward the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The ad, intended to promote the resumption of PIA’s flights to the French capital, featured the caption: “Paris, we’re coming today.” However, it has drawn criticism from around the world, with many noting its unsettling resemblance to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US.
Social media users were quick to voice their outrage, with one user on X asking:
“Is this an advertisement or a threat?”
Another user criticized the company by saying:
“Fire your marketing manager.”
The ad has been viewed more than 21 million times since its publication last week, sparking widespread backlash and even official responses from the Pakistani government.
Official Reactions to the Controversy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an investigation into the incident, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also criticized the advertisement, according to reports by Geo News.
The outrage comes from the ad’s perceived insensitivity. The 9/11 attacks, in which hijackers flew planes into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington DC, claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
Pakistani journalist Omar Quraishi expressed his dismay on X:
“Did the airline management not vet this? Do they not know about the 9/11 tragedy? Did they not think this would be perceived in a similar fashion?”
The airline, however, has not issued any formal comment regarding the controversy.
A History of PIA Controversies
This is not the first time Pakistan International Airlines has found itself in hot water. Over the years, the airline has faced numerous controversies, including:
- 1979 Ad Resemblance to Twin Towers: Social media users were quick to recall that in 1979, PIA had released another controversial advertisement showing the shadow of a passenger jet over the Twin Towers of New York.
- Sacrificial Goat Incident (2017): In a bizarre ritual to ward off bad luck, PIA staff sacrificed a goat following one of the country’s worst air disasters. The incident drew widespread mockery online.
- Weight Rules for Cabin Crew (2019): The airline faced backlash after mandating that flight attendants slim down within six months or risk being grounded.
These incidents, coupled with the latest backlash, continue to cast a shadow on the airline’s image.
Public Reaction on Social Media
The ad has sparked heated debates online. While some criticized it as tone-deaf, others expressed disbelief at the lack of oversight in its production.
“It’s astonishing that no one in PIA realized how this would be interpreted,” one user wrote.
Another remarked:
“An organization’s marketing team should be aware of global sensitivities, especially when dealing with iconic symbols like the Eiffel Tower.”
PIA’s Silence Amid Backlash
As of now, PIA has not publicly addressed the controversy, leaving many to question the company’s crisis management strategy. The airline’s silence has only fueled further criticism, as many see this as an opportunity for PIA to own up to its mistake and reassure the public of its commitment to professionalism.
A Need for Sensitivity in Marketing
Marketing experts argue that the PIA controversy underscores the importance of cultural and historical awareness when creating advertisements.
Dr. Ahmed Khan, a marketing professor at a leading business school, noted:
“The aviation industry is already highly scrutinized due to its connection with past tragedies. Airlines must exercise extreme caution in their messaging, especially when it involves sensitive topics or global landmarks.”
He added that while the ad might not have been intentionally provocative, the oversight reflects poorly on the brand’s professionalism.
Looking Ahead: Will PIA Learn From This?
With investigations underway and public scrutiny mounting, PIA faces significant pressure to address the issue transparently. This incident could serve as a wake-up call for the airline to implement stricter checks and balances for future marketing campaigns.
For now, the damage has been done, and PIA will need to work hard to restore public trust while ensuring such mishaps are avoided in the future.
External Link: BBC
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