It just keeps getting more stupid:
Press ReleaseSource: AirTran Airways
Thank You, Please FLY Through; Coca-Cola, Wendy's and AirTran Airways Celebrate Partnership with First-Ever Fly-Thru Drive-Thru
Thursday November 10, 4:13 pm ET
ATLANTA, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, The Coca-Cola Company and Wendy's International, Inc. took America's affinity for drive-thru service to new heights today after executing the world's first fly-thru quick service order.
The three companies collaborated on the Biggie Sized drive-thru operation to launch their Round Trip Refreshment promotion which offers Wendy's diners credits toward a free flight on AirTran Airways with the purchase of a soft drink at participating restaurants.
The inflight appetite refueling took place at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as an AirTran Airways Boeing 737 taxied through a specially designed Wendy's drive-thru. After rolling up to Wendy's fly-thru window, the captain fittingly paid with an AirTran Airways A+ Visa as an honorary "air-food controller" passed carry-on bags of fresh food and beverages through the 737's cockpit window.
"If drive-up pharmacies and drive-in wedding chapels can work, the idea of an airplane drive-thru just might take off," joked Tad Hutcheson, AirTran Airways Vice President of Marketing. "This was an opportunity to celebrate our new partnership with a dynamic company, Wendy's, and recognize our continued relationship with AirTran Airways' long-time beverage partner, Coca-Cola."
Wendy's customers can be a part of the Round Trip Refreshment program by collecting specially-marked 20 oz. and 32 oz. beverage cups featuring an AirTran Airways Flight Coupon.
The coupons can then be redeemed for frequent flyer credits as part of AirTran Airways A+ Rewards program. A free one-way ticket requires 32 of the Round Trip coupons.
"We're delighted to team up with AirTran Airways and Coca-Cola on this exciting promotion," said Jeff Whitney, Wendy's Vice President of Marketing. "Free flights on AirTran Airways are a great way to thank our guests for their loyalty. This partnership allows Wendy's customers to experience the great service and great value that AirTran Airways provides, and gives yet another reason for their customers to eat at Wendy's. Everyone wins!"
The Round Trip Refreshment program builds on the strong Coca-Cola relationship with Wendy's and AirTran Airways, which was the first airline to serve a number of Coke products including DASANI bottled water, Coca-Cola Zero and Minute Maid Lemonade.
"Coca-Cola is very excited to bring together two great partners in Wendy's and AirTran Airways for this innovative promotion," said Bill Lancaster, Director of Marketing, Coca-Cola Wendy's Account Team. "The program is truly a win/win for everyone involved."
More than 80 million Round Trip Refreshment cups were produced for the promotion that will run at nearly 3,200 Wendy's locations in 85 markets across the country until December 31, 2005. Official rules are available at
http://www.aplusrewards.com and participating Wendy's locations.
About AirTran Airways
AirTran Airways, one of America's largest low-fare airlines with 6,700 friendly, professional Crew Members, operates over 500 daily flights to 49 destinations. The airline's hub is at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where it is the second largest carrier. AirTran Airways recently added the fuel-efficient Boeing 737-700 aircraft to create America's youngest all-Boeing fleet. The airline is also the first carrier to install XM Satellite Radio on a commercial aircraft. For reservations or more information, visit
http://www.airtran.com (America Online Keyword: AirTran).
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit our website at
http://www.coca-cola.com.
About Wendy's International, Inc. Wendy's International, Inc. is one of the world's largest restaurant operating and franchising companies with more than 9,800 total restaurants and quality brands -- Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers, Tim Hortons and Baja Fresh Mexican Grill. The Company has investments in two other quality brands -- Cafe Express(TM) and Pasta Pomodoro. More information about the Company is available at
http://www.wendys.com.