flyLIMA.com

Marketing effort confronts continuing confusion over LIMA’s on-time performance

ANEW Marketing Group, a Top 100 firm, created the campaign

That former JFK General Manager Chuck Seliga calls timely; and

LIRR President Helena Williams says gets right to the point

     Islip, NY, October 2009 — Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan announced the launch of a marketing campaign aimed at broadening awareness of Long Island MacArthur Airport (LIMA) among regional travelers, positioning the Island’s only commercial airport as a convenient and easy alternative for air travel at a time when many airport experiences are difficult.  The effort comes on the heels of yet another on-time performance report that mistakenly places Long Island MacArthur Airport alongside the region’s other commercial airports that are suffering chronic travel delays.

Supervisor Nolan said, “I will admit it is frustrating to be mistakenly grouped in with New York City airports that regularly have arrival delays of over an hour, but it does underscore the need for an ad campaign that speaks to a simple truth.  Air travel today comes with a number of hurdles that simply don’t exist at Long Island MacArthur.  From ease of parking to the prompt departure of aircraft from a new terminal filled with amenities, LIMA makes flying a breeze.  And that’s what we are saying in creative ads that don’t use hype, but rather, depend on the simple reality of the traveler’s experience here.”

An Islip Town-owned and operated facility, LIMA offers residents of Suffolk and Eastern Nassau Counties an alternative to the inconvenience and expense associated with the major metropolitan New York airports.  In recent years, the airport has undergone significant expansion to improve both efficiency and comfort.  In addition, on-time performance for the airport’s two commercial airlines - Southwest and US Airways Express - is among the best in the nation.  Getting to the airport is fast and affordable, especially if you take advantage of the discounted train and shuttle package offered by the Long Island Railroad at www.mta.info/lirr.

A top 100 advertising firm, the ANEW Marketing Group of Smithtown created the campaign, which began in October with ads slated to run on print, broadcast, digital and outdoor outlets, such as county buses and LIRR railroad platforms. 

According to ANEW President Charles MacLeod, “Our job was to create a brand awareness campaign that would encourage Long Islanders to check Long Island MacArthur Airport’s flights first when making reservations by visiting the airport’s new Web portal, flylima.com.”

Commissioner of Aviation Teresa Rizzuto said, “Long Island MacArthur Airport sits within a radius of 2.8 million people. This marketing program is designed to reach a specific core audience of Long Islanders who simply don’t want to start or end their trip at an airport that becomes the most challenging part of their day.  I believe those who transit through LIMA would agree with our new but quite accurate slogan, ‘We make flying a breeze.’”

Added Councilman Christopher Bodkin, “In addition to promoting greater use of the airport, our advertising campaign will help in our quest to attract additional carriers and add new destinations.” 

According to Chuck Seliga, former general manager of JFK and later president and chief operating officer for Stewart Airport, “Airports like MacArthur, who can deliver an exceptional customer service, are the future of the aviation industry.  Long Islanders who want to avoid the congestion that plagues the New York metropolitan airports, will relish MacArthur’s “no hassle” experience.  Now is the time to move MacArthur to the head of the pack with a brand campaign that re-introduces Long Islanders to this remarkable airport.” Seliga is a principal in C&N Airport Professionals, an international consulting firm he formed with his wife Nancy, former Operations Manager of Newark Liberty International Airport.

Long Island Rail Road President Helena Williams said, “Long Island MacArthur Airport is important to the economic vitality of our region.  The LIRR and MacArthur are great partners, creating train and shuttle service that brings travelers to Ronkonkoma Station for the quick shuttle bus ride to the airport.  The new ad campaign gets right to the point about why MacArthur should be the first choice for Long Islanders - it’s fast and convenient, whether flying for business or pleasure.”

Recently, LIMA launched its own radio frequency - 1630 AM, the latest in a series of customer amenities that include the Web site, free courtesy parking area for cell phone users, and free WiFi throughout the terminal, which is scheduled to be available in time for the holiday travel season.

About Long Island MacArthur Airport (LIMA)
The Town of Islip owns and operates Long Island MacArthur Airport (LIMA) in Ronkonkoma, New York.  The airport is among the top 90 airports in the United States in terms of passenger volume, which exceeded 2.1 million in 2008.  More than 5,000 passengers fly LIMA each day.  The airport’s two commercial carriers - Southwest Airlines and USAirways Express - are among the top ten airlines for on-time performance, contributing to LIMA’s reputation as a “no hassle” airport.  The airport’s motto is “We make flying a breeze” and its mission is to be a leader in providing safe, efficient and competitive air travel service.  Go to www.flylima.com for more information.

About ANEW Marketing Group
The ANEW Marketing Group is an advertising and marketing communications firm based in Smithtown, NY.    For five consecutive years, ANEW has been ranked one of the top 100 B2B agencies in the United States by Crains.   ANEW provides results-driven strategic marketing programs for national and international clients in a broad range of industries, including aerospace, tourism and transportation. Go to www.anewmarketinggroup.com for more information.