It's been a while since we heard from the epic battle between BA and Virgin Atlantic. Years of bickering and fighting have made it one of the UK's most interesting brand contests.Well wait no more, Virgin are back, with a brilliantly shot ad featuring lots of comic retro references; and a perfect choice of music in Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Relax. But the question everyone in adland is asking is: Is it sexist?
It certainly flies the 'women as objects' flag more than most; but no more so than Lynx has been doing for years. There is no subtlety in it, but then looking (in brand/product terms) at what Virgin were compared to BA at the time it seems quite accurate.
Does the inclusion of a male pilot help by objectifying the man as well? Does the lack of male cabin crew make it worse?
What about the fact it was (apparently) thought up by a woman creative?
