Tripp Joins Disney’s PLANES

Today American Airlines and the Walt Disney Studios announced a strategic collaboration on the upcoming “Disney’s Planes” movie, including a cameo appearance by Tripp — inspired in part by American’s Boeing 777-300ER, the newest addition to American’s fleet.

Tripp dons the airline’s new look, complete with the company’s newly developed flight symbol and stripes on his tail for a special cameo appearance in the film.

“Disney is a global family brand and working with them gives us a fun opportunity to connect with families who know and love the iconic American Airlines brand,” said Rob Friedman, American’s Vice President – Marketing.  “Through this collaboration, we have a lot of great things planned for this summer, including exciting trip promotions and in-airport activities, so I encourage everyone to stay tuned.”

To kick off the excitement, American and Disney this morning surprised customers traveling through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with gate celebrations and giveaways, including special guest appearances by the film’s director Klay Hall and actor Carlos Alazraqui, who provides the voice of passionate racer El Chupacabra (El Chu) in the film.

Klay Hall (Director), Traci Balthazor (Producer), Carlos Alazraqui (Voice of El Chupacabra) and Jeff Plant (American Airline’s Managing Director – LAX) announce collaboration on “Disney’s Planes

In addition, American and Disney today premiered a special version of the “Disney’s Planes” trailer for LAX customers, as well as American’s new custom animated commercial directed by Hall, and developed in conjunction with McCann Worldgroup. In the spot, characters from the movie, including Dusty, El Chu and Tripp, highlight American’s fleet modernization efforts with a comedic flare. American also held the inflight debut of the trailer and commercial spot onboard Flight #2442 from LAX to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The trailer, ad spot and images of Tripp are available for viewing starting today at aa.com/disneyplanes.

“I’m a lifelong aviation fan and ‘Disney’s Planes’ has allowed me to explore so many facets of flying,” said Hall. “I think the addition of Trippto our lineup really adds to the fun, particularly for aviation buffs like me.”

“Disney’s Planes” and Tripp soar into theaters nationwide beginning Aug. 9, 2013.  Leading up to the film’s release, the companies plan to roll out an integrated marketing effort, including collaborated advertising, promotions and inflight entertainment. American will also feature an inflight version of the movie in October, one month earlier than other airlines, as part of American’s continuing effort to provide customers with the latest and most exclusive content.

For more information on American’s 777-300ER and other fleet renewal plans, visit aa.com/newplanes, and for more information about American’s collaboration with “Disney’s Planes,” please visit aa.com/disneyplanes.

“Disney’s Planes” is an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing – and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit.

Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar.

For more information, check out Disney.com/Planes, like on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyPlanes and follow on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures.

Follow Disney’s PLANES El Chupacabra on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/PlanesElChu