The Canadian rapper, Drake, announced that he had secured a 767 for his personal flying. The deal was likely not as advertised to the public and media’s dismay. Now, Toronto Raptors small forward Kawhi Leonard has one too.
If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com.
If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today.
Toronto Rapper, Drake, Partnered with Cargojet
A few weeks ago, Drake, the rapper from “the 6” partnered with Cargojet though that’s not exactly how it was presented. In his announcement video, he mentioned that he owned it outright, then displayed the incredible interior that had been retrofitted from cargo to personal wide-body.
In reality, Drake is a brand ambassador for Cargojet which likely repurposed a jet that was otherwise no longer suitable for cargo transport. The aircraft was over 20 years old which can be retirement age for a 767. I took umbrage with mainstream media like CNN who suggested that Drake spent as much as $220 million when, in fact, there was little to no basis for the claim and never corrected the incorrect story.
Toronto Raptor, Kawhi Leonard, Got One Too
Following the Toronto Raptors NBA Championship, the players that delivered… (sigh)… “the 6” their first title can do no wrong in the city. Thus, when Cargojet came with an offer for a similar deal for Mr. Leonard, he was happy to accept.
While the details of the deal remain hidden officially, Drake’s deal has been revealed as costing him nothing for the jet and Leonard’s deal is said to be the same. Drake, in fairness, probably has some practical application to utilizing a 767 when on tour given the size of his support staff (agents, managers, vocalists, musicians, equipment, etc.) – but a basketball player? Not so much.
What Is Cargojet trying To Accomplish?
Cargojet has stated that they find the publicity from their brand ambassadors and gifts to be worth millions of dollars. Maybe that’s true. I had never heard of them before though I pay attention to the aviation space more than most. Then again, how many cargo and freight buyers are making their business decisions because Drake speaks highly of them?
While the association with Kawhi Leonard makes more sense to me simply because all of the Raptors are heroes to Toronto right now, it seems like the cargo carrier is simply trying to stay in the spotlight a little while longer.
Conclusion
This deal made a little bit of sense with Drake because the name of the carrier was published by media around the world giving them significant brand recognition. From a sales standpoint, I am not sure it ever made sense. Leonard’s deal suggests to me that Cargojet may have gotten carried away by the limelight. If the Blue Jays win the World Series or the Leafs win the Stanley Cup, Carogjet might just run out of airplanes left to fly packages. Where’s Justin Beiber’s ride?
What do you think? Was this a good move by Cargojet? Should they give away more planes?
Is this the guy who’s charging kids $20 for his autograph? Scandalous and disgraceful business.