Flight risk
Posted: Monday, January 14, 2008 5:49 PM by Rob Neill
Filed Under:
Travel
We see more than a few hoaxes float by our desk, most are pretty obvious. But when we saw this print advertisement allegedly from a 1979 magazine we were struck by two things.
First, it’s just eerie.
Secondly, if it’s legit – and it seems that it is – how could anything like this exist in our twin ages of the Internet and Big Paranoia and take so long to surface.
We called Pakistan International Airlines, were forwarded to a couple of people before getting voicemail that has yet to be returned. You can see arguments as to its legitimacy here, here – and elsewhere.
In defense of those arguing it is legit (which includes ourselves) here are some points to consider:
Before the World Trade Center towers became a symbol of a barbaric act, they were – despite the opinions of more than a few architectural critics – part of the what made the skyline, maybe even defined the skyline, of New York City. It was simple visual shorthand for anyone trying to cram NYC into a hard vertical space.
As creepy as it is, the shadow and the towers actually says “we fly to New York” on the outside chance that you could actually, you know, forget what happened in 2001.
Lastly, a French-speaking colleague offers the following translation of the chatter at the bottom (thanks Kriss) which certainly seems like standard airline blather:
“One of some of the companies serving NY. Leaving from Orly South, offering the best transfers to smaller cities. Another testimony of efficiency from PIA. PIA is an international company with spectacular growth: 3 million passengers this year, one plane taking off every 6 minutes. A success built on passenger satisfaction. For one successful flight, to NY or 60 other major cities in world, leave with PIA.”
If you were going to create a hoax – wouldn’t you want to at least drop something mildly salacious into the copy?
This is hardly the first time that, looking backward, something in the media looks oddly prescient toward the attacks of that day. One we have always though was odd was Wilco’s “Ashes of American Flags.” We actually heard the song performed live in 2000 before its eventual release in 2002, but it’s always, somehow, seemed linked.
Thanks to Adrants, Gothamist, and 2spare.com for pointing it out.
