Jul 17, 2000

Delta Express 737 Gets Animated Escort From Cartoon Network's THE POWERPUFF GIRLS

Delta Express, Delta's low-fare airline, and Cartoon Network today unveiled a 737-200 jet painted from wing-to-tail with the cable network's popular cartoon heroines, The Powerpuff Girls. The new promotional partnership marks the first time Delta Express has featured another company's consumer property on one of its planes.

Together, Delta and Cartoon Network plan to create a unique, leisure-focused experience for Delta Express customers. During its first month in service, every customer flying aboard the Delta Express Powerpuff Girls jet will receive exclusive Powerpuff Girls merchandise. In addition, over the next 18 months, customers can anticipate special activities as well as additional product sampling aboard specific Delta Express flights.

"The Powerpuff Girls' motto is to save the world before bedtime. Their new Delta Express jet power should give them enough time to brush their teeth as well," said Martin White, vice president of consumer marketing for Delta Air Lines. "Since it started, Delta Express has relied on unique promotions to offer extra value to customers while maintaining its low-fare, no-frills product. The lower we keep our costs, the lower we can keep your prices."

The inaugural flight of the newly animated plane will coincide with the public debut of the brand new, life-sized Powerpuff Girls costumed characters-at Boston's Logan Airport on Monday, July 17. Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup will arrive at 10:00 a.m. on their new Delta Express plane to kick-off a fun-filled week for Cartoon Network that includes headlining the Cartoon Cartoon Fridays Tour and entertaining at the Cable Television Association of Marketers (CTAM) convention and trade show.

Plans also include a special birthday promotion in October 2000, when Delta Express celebrates four successful years of low-fare travel to Florida and Cartoon Network celebrates eight years of original and classic cable television programming.

Powerpuff Girls fans can visit the Cartoon Network Web site, www.CartoonNetwork.com, to see a digitally-created, 360-degree view of The Powerpuff Girls' jet and link to Delta Express to make plane reservations for a fun-filled escape to Florida. Fans can also check online for The Powerpuff Girls' jet times and destinations up to 24 hours in advance of its arrival in one of the 21 Delta Express airports in the Northeast, Midwest and Florida.

"We want to expose every Delta Express customer to The Powerpuff Girls," said Kim McQuilken, executive vice president, Cartoon Network sales and marketing, "because the characters appeal to both girls and boys as well as adults. We hope this eye-catching promotion will be one of many partnership opportunities that lie ahead for Cartoon Network and Delta, from in-flight and online programming to third-party sponsorships with our advertisers."

"I knew the girls would be popular, but I had no idea they'd be able to fly so high," said Craig McCracken, creator of The Powerpuff Girls cartoon.

The Powerpuff Girls is a half-hour animated series that follows the adventures of three super-powered sisters-Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup-who frequently ask to be excused from school so they can save the world. Created accidentally by the benevolent Professor Utonium, these sugar-coated superheroes are united in their life's mission, which typically alternates between fighting crime and winning at hopscotch. But bad guys better beware because these dynamic divas have a direct line to the mayor's office and a license to kick a little backside before bedtime! The Powerpuff Girls debuted on Cartoon Network in Nov. 1998, and now airs Monday-Friday, at 8:30 p.m.

Cartoon Network, currently seen in 63.8 million U.S. homes and in 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world's largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network also showcases unique original ventures such as COURAGE THE COWARDLY DOG, MIKE, LU & OG, THE POWERPUFF GIRLS, ED, EDD N EDDY, JOHNNY BRAVO, COW AND CHICKEN and DEXTER'S LABORATORY. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable's highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network's Web site is located at www.cartoonnetwork.com

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

With Delta Express customers fly coach and get a reserved-in-advanced seat at a great low price. Delta Express customers also fly nonstop and earn Delta frequent flier miles. Don't forget, it's B.Y.O.F. (bring your own food). Did we mention great low prices?