MAS Joins Quirky Norway-England Airlines Logo Swipe Challenge

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) joined the FIFA World Cup fever with a cheeky social media reaction to an “airline rivalry” between Norwegian Air and British Airways.

It started with Norwegian Air challenging British Airways to switch their Instagram logos if Norway beats England in the quarter-finals scheduled for Sunday at 5 am (Malaysian time).

Tagging British Airways, Norwegian Air posted, “Hey, @british_airways, do you want to make a bet? If Norway wins, you will switch to our logo on Instagram on Sunday (one day). And vice versa. Deal?”

While the two traded playful jabs and British Airways eventually accepted the bet, Malaysia Airlines, along with other airlines, joined the banter.

Malaysia’s flag carrier wrote in a witty reply, “We’ll be watching with our satay in one hand and signature drink in the other.”

SWISS Air wrote, “No time for popcorn. We have to prepare for Lionel Messi,” referring to Switzerland’s quarter-final clash against Argentina, scheduled for tomorrow at 9 am.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways also joined the exchange, saying it would provide live updates from the pitch.

At the time of writing, the challenge posted by Norwegian Air on Thursday had attracted 155,000 likes, 5,413 comments, 4,190 reposts and 132,000 shares.

Malaysia Airlines’ reply had garnered 3,245 likes.

As FIFA World Cup fever continues to heat up, the airlines’ playful exchange shows how brands are increasingly quick to tap into the power of social media and the excitement surrounding football’s biggest stage.

-- BERNAMA