We’re big fans of the power of online video to add colour and authenticity to a PR programme.  Companies like KDS use simple and low-cost video techniques to really bring client case studies and other customer communications to life. It works – see for yourself. (more…)

Flightblogger Jon Ostrower once again showcases the power of social media with this short film of the 787 Dreamliner’s VIP interior. The 1:20 scale model is featured by Boeing at this week’s NBAA show in Orlando. Jon’s video has the real ‘shakycam’ look, thanks to being filmed on his iPhone, but is nonetheless watchable. In fact, this pared down style gives it some added authenticity over more slickly produced items, an approach that some organisations such as KDS (full disclosure: a client of ours) have cleverly spotted is readily accepted by the public.

David Meerman Scott, one of our favourite marketing authors, posted an excellent item on his blog overnight.  It’s a video interview he did recently with Bob Lutz, vice chairman of General Motors, on why Lutz devotes so much of his time to blogging and social media.  GM’s recent history notwithstanding, Lutz is a very influential and highly regarded executive, and it is fascinating to hear him explain why he became one of the first corporate bloggers back in 2004. (more…)

Cessna are showing off the third prototype of the SkyCatcher light sport aircraft at this week’s EAA AirVenture convention at Oshkosh.  With ATSM compliance in the bag, the way is clear for deliveries to start later this year.  Flight International, once again showing what can be done with online publishing, have posted some great footage on their website.  Click on the picture below to watch it.

An interesting interview on CNBC this week by Richard Santulli, founder chairman and CEO of NetJets.

Lots of ground covered, but some of the notable points:

• Santulli being touted as a possible successor to Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway
• NetJets’ flown hours down about 26% YTD versus prior year
• NetJets’ revenues track the stock market, whereas jet sales track corporate profits
• Consistent use of the industry’s key messages about the value of business aviation (1.5 million US employees, $150bn contribution to US economy, low jet utilisation by actual CEOs versus other employees)
• A business jet takes you where an airline can’t:  90% of all US scheduled flights go to 70 airports, but last year NetJets flew to 2,600 airports in the US and connected over 60,000 unique city pairs
• NetJets is seeing a bigger impact in the recession on business usage (down 30%) than personal usage (down only 8%)
• Neatly turns President Obama into a role model for NetJets customers by praising his recent use of a Gulfstream instead of the costlier Air Force One!

Worth watching.