Campaign was done because of 'immense affection for the brand', says Builder.ai on Air India row

As Air India contemplates ‘suitable action’ against software company Builder.ai for developing a prototype app for the airlines without permission, and putting out an advertisement for the same in leading newspapers which confused the public, the software company has issued a clarification. 

Builder.ai had released its advertising campaign across various mediums, stating it has developed a prototype app for the airline. The campaign asked people to scan a code for unlocking a chance to win a free flight ticket of Air India. 

This was followed by Air India taking to Twitter to issue a clarification in which they said they have not partnered with Builder.ai or given them permission to build any prototype app. 

They airline also said that it will not be responsible for any misuse of the information collected by the advertiser using the QR code. Air India also clarified that they are not offering any free tickets that are being promoted by Builder. ai in its ads.

The software company has now released a statement saying that the campaign was their way of showing their ‘immense affection for the brand’, it also said that any of the ads do not claim that the said prototype is Air India’s official app, or that it had been awarded a contract to create one.

“Our Valentine’s Day initiative/advertising campaign was solely to offer a gift to the national carrier, and an iconic brand, in the form of a prototype of an app. This was done entirely because of immense affection for the brand. The prototype was a humble effort to celebrate and contribute towards the brand’s new and exciting journey,” the statement by Builder.ai read.

“In no instance or manner whatsoever has Builder.ai ever claimed via print media, digital media, and OOH campaigns that the prototype ‘gift’ is Air India’s official app nor that Builder.ai was awarded any contract to create one. Additionally, as referenced in the terms and conditions for the prizes; the complimentary air tickets would be something awarded and paid for by Builder.ai alone,” it added.

Earlier, Builder.ai had launched an advertising campaign on February 17, 2022 across print and digital media, claiming they have developed a prototype app for Air India. However, the airline refuted these claims and further added that it is ‘contemplating suitable action against the issuer of the advertisement’.

According to the statement from Air India, put out on Twitter, the airline has not awarded any contract or given any permission to Builder.ai to make any app for them. “This prototype app has been developed without the involvement or consent of Air India,” the airline had said.

#FlyAI : Public Notice regarding advertising campaign of @Builderai pic.twitter.com/5JpVguXgvS

— Air India (@airindiain) February 17, 2022

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