American goes sonic with signature jingle
10:14 PM CDT on Thursday, July 21, 2005
Intel Corp. has a recognizable one. So do Microsoft Corp., T-Mobile USA and a host of other companies. Now airlines are embracing the "sound mark" to connect to customers.
American Airlines Inc. has rolled out its "signature sound" for customers on hold with its reservations operators – a six-note tone pulled from the music in its "We Know Why You Fly" ad campaign.
"It's very mellow, but it's a cool little sound," said Billy Sanez, a spokesman for American. The notes are created by a digital vibraphone, which is something like a xylophone, but with more range in middle tones.
The goal is to introduce the sound wherever customers encounter American, such as on airplanes, on the Web and at the airport. "We tested it with customers, and they really liked it," he said.
