DUBAI: Following the US’ ban on allowing passengers from a handful of Middle Eastern and North African countries to pack large electronic devices in their carry-on luggage, Dubai’s Emirates Airline took to its Instagram page with a slick new advert.
Within hours of the ban being enforced by the airline, it attempted to turn the measure — which states that anything larger than a smartphone must be packed into checked luggage — into a selling point.
“Who needs laptops and tablets anyway?” the advert reads, before cutting to a shot of Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston playing video games on the in-flight entertainment system.
The advert with Aniston is not new, having been released in October 2016, but the repackaged clip is.
“This thing has so many games and so many movies,” Aniston says about the on-board entertainment. “It’s crazy.”
The advert ends with an image of an Emirates Airline plane flying high, with the caption “let us entertain you.”
The video was well-received online, with a slew of commenters praising the airline on the advert.
“Creative in such short notice! Kudos,” one user commented.
“Smooth reaction on the recent electronic ban! Well done @emirates,” said another.
The UK is set to follow up the American ban with a move of its own.
A spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said that there would be curbs on electronic items in the main cabin on flights from six countries in the Middle East. The foreign office said the measures would be implemented by March 25.
Aniston, Emirates have the best response to US ban
Aniston, Emirates have the best response to US ban
