In June, Air Partner orchestrated an extraordinary and unforgettable charter experience for Paddy Power. Transporting 62 passengers from Stansted (STN) to Düsseldorf (DUS) and back, the specially branded Boeing 737-700 VIP aircraft transformed into "Paddy Fairlines."
This unique flight carried staff, key brand ambassadors, and football fans to England's first game in the Euros, creating an experience as bold and fun as the Paddy Power brand itself.
Routing:
Departure: Stansted Airport (STN) to Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
Return: Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) to Stansted Airport (STN)
Choosing The Right Aircraft:
Aircraft Used: Boeing 737-700 VIP
The Boeing 737-700 VIP was selected to meet the client's requirement for an aircraft that could comfortably accommodate between 50 and 100 passengers. The aircraft's configuration was ideal for transporting a mix of staff, brand ambassadors, and football fans in a uniquely branded environment that deviated from standard commercial flights, aligning with Paddy Power's signature flair while surpassing the objectives of the experience.
Exceeding Specific Needs
Paddy Power required an aircraft that could deliver a private and fully branded experience, distinct from typical commercial flights. The focus was on creating a memorable journey infused with Paddy Power's distinctive humour and branding.
The charter, named "Paddy Fairlines," was designed to provide a one-of-a-kind experience reflective of Paddy Power's unique brand personality. Instead of a luxurious VIP experience, the emphasis was on a humorous, unconventional journey. Passengers earned their spots on the flight through a special Euros penalty shootout competition, a nod to England's notorious penalty shootout history. The entire experience, from boarding to in-flight services, was infused with Paddy Power's comedic marketing, ensuring nothing about the trip was ordinary.
Logistics, Planning, and Coordination
Air Partner meticulously managed the logistics to ensure an effortless experience for all passengers on Paddy Fairlines. The journey included the routing of the aircraft from Stansted (STN) to Düsseldorf (DUS) and back, with extensive branding and catering arrangements at both the Inflite the Jet Centre at Stansted Lounge and onboard the flight. Every detail was infused with Paddy Power's branding, from napkins, cups, and water bottles to headrests, blankets, pillows, deli bags, and food wrappings.
To create an engaging and unique in-flight experience, the crew donned Paddy Fairlines uniforms and conducted a themed service, including deli bags with drinks and snacks, a pub quiz, and a special safety announcement delivered in Paddy Power’s signature humorous style. Captain Paddy (not his real name) added to the fun with a playful speech about the altitude and weather, creatively predicting goals raining into the Serbian net.
The planning process began with initial discussions in March, followed by a video call to showcase Air Partner's capabilities and get the creative juices flowing. Contracts were signed in late April, and from that point until the flight on June 15th, there were daily communications and weekly calls to ensure every detail was perfect. Collaborations included Wasserman Live for branding and three in-person meetings at the Inflite private terminal to finalise the setup, including special requests such as a brass band and branded boarding passes.
The comprehensive planning and coordination ensured that all elements were pre-approved, meticulously organised, and our dedicated on-site team ensured all customisations and requests were executed perfectly.
Client Customisations and Special Requests
The client's primary request was to make the experience as unique and unconventional as possible. This entailed complete branding of the airline experience from boarding passes to crew uniforms and in-flight announcements, ensuring a distinct Paddy Fairlines experience.
In addition to our in-house efforts, we closely collaborated with the teams at Inflite Stansted and 2Excel Aviation to ensure every aspect of the Paddy Fairlines experience was flawlessly executed. The partnership with Inflite the Jet Centre at Stansted was crucial in delivering the bespoke ground services and branded environments at their private terminal, while 2Excel Aviation, with their extensive expertise in extra-special flights and VIP charters, played an integral role in the smooth operation of the flight itself.
Their combined support was instrumental in bringing the Paddy Fairlines vision to life, ensuring that every detail met the high standards expected by Paddy Power.
Trip Success
The Paddy Fairlines charter was a resounding success, attributed to meticulous planning and coordination. The event proceeded smoothly, with all elements executed as planned. The crew's enthusiasm and cooperation significantly contributed to the positive outcome, embodying the unique Paddy Fairlines spirit.
The chosen airline, known for its exceptional service and experience with high-profile charters, delivered a flawless performance, ensuring passenger satisfaction and reinforcing the decision to partner with them.
“Air Partner were brilliant throughout the entire process. Chartering a plane in a way that was true to the Paddy Power brand was always going to be a challenge, but Air Partner were amazing at guiding us through the process and regulations, to ensure that we delivered a once in a lifetime experience for fans, that was fun, enjoyable but also safe. The result was outstanding’
- Dan Oates, Senior Marketing Manager – Paddy Power.
The Paddy Fairlines charter exemplified Air Partner's commitment to delivering bespoke, high-quality charter experiences. Through detailed planning, effective coordination, and a focus on client-specific needs, the event achieved its goal of providing a memorable and distinctly Paddy Power experience for all passengers involved.
"This charter was a testament to our team's ability to deliver unique, tailored experiences that exceed our clients' expectations. The success of Paddy Fairlines highlights our expertise in managing intricate logistics and creating memorable journeys."
- Clive Chalmers, SVP Group Charter – UK & ROW, Air Partner
--
About Paddy Power:
Paddy Power is one of the most distinctive consumer brands in Europe. As a multichannel betting operator, it boasts a world-class online operation, over 600 stores across the UK and Ireland, and an ever-growing online customer base. Its marketing is well known for its cheeky approach, and it offers some of the most advanced and entertaining online games, from poker to roulette.
Boeing 737-700 VIP Fact File
Manufacturer: Boeing
Model: 737-700 VIP
Introduction Year: 1997
Performance
Top Speed: 544 mph (Mach 0.82)
Cruising Altitude: 35,000 - 41,000 feet
Notable Features
Enhanced Range: Equipped with additional fuel tanks in the cargo hold for extended range capabilities.
Customisable Interiors: High degree of customisation available to meet specific needs and tastes.
Advanced Avionics: State-of-the-art avionics and flight systems for enhanced safety and performance.