How Alexandria International Airport (AEX) Acted Immediately to Launch ‘Fly Safe AEX’
In the early days of the current global health crisis, Alexandria International Airport (AEX) understood that clear and updated messaging was an immediate necessity. Alexandria International Airport celebrated their essential workers in a heartfelt video and launched its “Fly Safe AEX” campaign in May in an effort to provide and support guidance to travelers in Central Louisiana.
The creative concept Fly Safe AEX was established for the campaign complimenting the airport’s Fly AEX which prior to COVID-19 centered around fresh, modern iconography and an updated website. Alexandria International Airport (AEX) launched its Fly Safe AEX campaign and flysafeaex.org as an extension of their website creating a seamless online experience. Flysafeaex.org is an online resource providing easy access to the most updated air travel information, security procedures, and sanitation protocols as directly related to COVID-19. From the website, travelers can be linked directly to relevant updates from airline and car rental websites and view updated TSA procedures.
Fly Safe AEX was communicated to the public via social media, website content, digital and static signage, and radio. Eye catching images depicting social distancing guidelines were equally inviting and informative with messaging focused on three key areas- frequency, communication, and self-serve opportunities.
Here’s what to expect when you Fly Safe with AEX- Resources are reprioritized to ensure continuous daytime and deep overnight cleaning of high traffic/high touch areas and are listed in detail for travelers. Beyond increased frequency and visibility of cleaning, communication to customers and employees around these efforts continues to be essential. Static signage, public announcements, dynamic feed/graphics that highlight cleaning efforts are strategically employed as needed and AEX janitorial staff are increasingly visible airport representatives.
AEX customers and employees are eager for opportunities to protect their own health and disinfect the areas with which they come in contact, which in turn offer community-wide benefits. We have upgraded our restroom fixtures to be touchless, and include best practices ensuring restrooms are well stocked at all times. Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipe stations are offered and appropriately signed at touchpoints throughout the facility.
Terminal signage is in place encouraging all employees, rental car and ticketed passengers to wear a safety mask upon entering the building. As daily flight schedules increase, signage and new processes support mandated guidelines without sacrificing productivity. Once morning flights have departed and all agencies on second floor have left, “Do Not Enter” signage is placed in front of stairs and escalators to limit people from entering the second floor area until such time of airline arrivals. Fly Safe AEX floor markers promote both social distancing and cohesive branding throughout the airport.
With Fly Safe AEX successfully established, AEX presented Fly Safe AEX in Baton Rouge where elements were incorporated into a statewide campaign aptly named Fly Safe Louisiana. Fly Safe has become synonymous with AEX’s rapid response to continued calls for innovation as an essential business supporting the travelers they serve, the local community, and the state of Louisiana.