Bombardier makes smart move with Travolta

Montreal-based Bombardier, the world’s leading business aircraft manufacturer, has welcomed John Travolta as a brand ambassador for its Learjet, Challenger and Global jets. Travolta made an appearance at the company’s California headquarters a few weeks back and as I just learned, he then flew here to share his good news with local staffers.

A Bombardier press release tells us this:

Recognized worldwide as an accomplished actor and film producer, John Travolta is also a licensed jet pilot and an advocate for corporate aviation. With a busy schedule of filming, publicity and charity work, he embodies the persona of the true business traveler - making him an ideal representative for Bombardier Business Aircraft.

“John is both a film icon and knowledgeable aviator,” said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “He also recently added the Challenger aircraft to the impressive list of 11 different jets he is qualified to fly, an aircraft that offers him the ability to meet his passion for aviation and demanding business travel requirements all in one. We are thrilled to have him as our brand ambassador.”

Here is Travolta’s appearance at Bombardier’s Burbank, California headquarters. I have not been able to secure anything from his stop at the Dorval plant just a day later:

With an acting career spanning over 30 years,  Travolta has starred in 60 films and has been honoured with a number of prestigious film awards and award nominations. He has received two aviation awards – the American Institute of Aeronautics Foundation Award for Excellence in 2003, and the Living Legends Ambassador of Aviation award in 2007. He currently holds 11 pilots licenses for both commercial and business jets.

“Business aviation has always made sense to me in that it offers flexibility, privacy, security, and most importantly, timesaving – meaning I have the ability to keep up with my busy schedule and have more time for my family, which is very important to me,”  Travolta said in a statement. “On top of that, I’m a pilot - I love to fly. Bombardier designs aircraft as much for the person flying them as for the passenger. I’m proud to represent their aircraft.”

Bombardier is the business aviation industry’s leading manufacturer. Its portfolio of 11 models of business aircraft, among the industry’s largest and most comprehensive, includes the legendary Learjet aircraft, world-renowned Challenger aircraft and industry-leading Global jet family. Bombardier’s business aircraft are supported by Bombardier Customer Services, a leader in aftermarket service and support with a global service network consisting of 64 maintenance facilities in 27 countries, and ten parts depots on five continents. Bombardier has nearly 190 field service and support staff deployed internationally and is also the only jet manufacturer providing pilot and technical training on its aircraft, with a network of nine facilities worldwide.

When I think of Travolta, I recall being an avid viewer of his very first show – Welcome Back Kotter. He played Vinny Barbarino, one of the so-called Sweat Hogs. The show propelled him into superstardom.

Here is a classic clip of Travolta as Vinny Barbarino:

Here is a recent ABC Welcome Back Kotter Reunion: