USA TODAY's Gary Stoller in a front-page Money section story reports a "growing number of U.S. airlines ... are reaching out to advertisers." Ads are "appearing not only on overhead bins, seat backs and tray tables but on flight attendants' aprons, snack boxes and napkins." In the past, Southwest "painted a Slam Dunk One aircraft" for the NBA, while JetBlue has planes "painted for business partner DirecTV and two sports teams it sponsors" -- the NFL Jets and MLS Real Salt Lake. Both airlines said that their planes "are painted only for marketing partners and sponsors, and no ad space is for sale on the exterior of their jets." US Airways, which "has planes painted for four NFL teams it sponsors," said advertising is "an important source of revenue" (USA TODAY, 10/19).
ACROSS THE GLOBE: In DC, Michael Lee reported Wizards C JaVale McGee was scheduled to "go on a promotion tour through the Philippines for Smart Communications, the country's leading wireless provider." A source said that he will "film commercials and make some appearances as part of a newly-signed endorsement deal with the talk and text company" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 10/18).
ROUNDUP: USA TODAY's Reid Cherner noted the FTD College Rose Collection "allows you to be true to your school and true-blue." The company "offers special arrangements of roses that match school colors." The schools that "are currently involved in the flower venture" are Alabama, Florida, Miami, Oklahoma, Penn State and Tennessee (USATODAY.com, 10/18)....The Bears have partnered with Chicago-based AthletiCo Physical and Occupational Therapy, which will become the club's official physical therapy provider. AthletiCo will sponsor fitness segments on ChicagoBears.com and will maintain a presence throughout the season, including sponsoring the digital scoreboard and end zone LED displays (Bears).
