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1-Sep-20

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Today's Top Stories

Gogo Confirms Intelsat Will Buy Commercial Aviation Division

Gogo announced yesterday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its commercial aviation business to Intelsat, after news of the deal began circulating last week. The final sale price was set at $400 million; Intelsat will finance the deal from its cash on hand and dip into its $1 billion debtor-in-possession credit facility as well. Gogo plans on using the proceeds of the sale to remove some of its debt and make investments in 5G as it aims to enhance the scale and profitability of its business aviation segment. Gogo president and CEO Oakleigh Thorne said that Intelsat's acquisition of Gogo's commercial division, which will still be based in Chicago, "will create the leading vertically-integrated IFC business in the world."

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US Government Approves $1.2B in Airport Grants

US Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao announced that the government will award over $1.2 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants to a total of 405 airports across all US states and territories. The package includes over $1 billion from the Airport Improvement Program and $152 million in CARES Act grants. Funding will be used to purchase aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment, construct or repair runways and taxiways and for general facilities maintenance and improvement.

Department of Transportation | Related Map of FY2020 AIP Grants - FAA

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ICAO and UN See Potential in Countering Terrorism Using API-PNR Data

A new memorandum of agreement between ICAO and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism seeks to promote the collection and analysis of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data as a means of detecting and investigating terrorist offences. The initiative follows the ICAO Council's amendment to the Chicago Convention earlier this year. ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu said that the governing body will now help member states establish "a suitable legislative framework to regulate the collection, transmission, use, retention and sharing of passenger data."

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Otto Aviation Aims to Revolutionize Commercial Air Travel With Six-Passenger Aircraft

Otto Aviation revealed its new rear-engined aircraft called the Celera 500L. The manufacturer claims that it consumes eight times less fuel and flies twice as far as similarly-sized private jets. The operating cost is listed at $328 per hour, around six times lower than other aircraft in its class. Otto Aviation has yet to begin the FAA certification process and would need to source an assembly facility. The company estimates deliveries can begin sometime in 2025. "Our goal has always been to create a safe and private aircraft that would allow for direct flights in the US at speeds and cost comparable to commercial air travel," said CEO Bill Otto.

Simple Flying | Related Celera 500L - Otto Aviation

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Short Transfers at Schiphol May Bypass Security

A new service at Schiphol airport allows transiting travelers to get through security and passport control faster. By scanning their boarding pass at a new self-service kiosk as they enter the airport for their connecting flight, travelers with short transfer times will receive a Short Connection Pass. The airport claims the solution minimizes the risk of flight delays. If a traveler has enough time to catch their flight, the machine will not print the special pass.

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Avianca Receiving Up To $370M to Restructure, Emirates Gets $2B in Aid

Colombia will transfer as much as $370 million in emergency government funding to Avianca as the airline tries to restructure. The loan is due in November 2021 and forms 20% of the total debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing the company is seeking in its bankruptcy court case. Avianca says the DIP loan structure was well received by third-party institutional investors and it hopes the bankruptcy court will approve the package this month. Meanwhile, Emirates is also receiving state aid: The Dubai government is providing it with around $2 billion and is ready to send more depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

PR Newswire | Related Emirates To Receive $2 billion State Aid Package - Airline Geeks

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Finnair, Hawaiian Airlines Plan Job Cuts

Finnair is negotiating with employee representatives as it irons out a plan to cut 1,000 jobs and implement additional temporary layoffs. In total, the negotiations affect 2,800 of its 6,200 employees. The airline faced obstacles in the form of low demand and travel restrictions that have hampered its efforts to expand capacity. Hawaiian Airlines is also planning on letting go of staff: it has notified 414 employees in its Air Line Pilots Association and Association of Flight Attendants that they will be affected by the carrier's workforce reduction plan.

Business Travel News Europe | Related Hawaiian Airlines notifies more than 400 pilots, flight attendants of job cuts - Market Watch

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

"I saw folks from all walks of life in various states of being - some rushing to their gate, others killing time until they boarded their plane." - Mustafa Çankaya

This image was featured in a photo essay in a previous issue of APEX Experience magazine.

> Tweet of the Day

September 1, 2020 marks 100 days since the resumption of scheduled domestic air travel in India, post the Covid-induced lockdown. In these 100 days, BLR Airport welcomed 1.4 million domestic passengers with 15,658 Air Traffic Movements.

BLR Airport @BLRAirport

Association News

Have An Opinion on the Direction of Our Industry? Submit an Op-Ed!

APEX Media is accepting op-eds as part of a new series called Expert Opinions aimed at spotlighting informed views on current industry trends. If you would like to participate, email editor@apex.aero with your idea.

> Quote of the Day

"The piece has been crafted to provide passengers with a sense of warmth, joy, belonging and pride not only for Malaysia as a nation, but in its much-loved airline."

Brad Power, Stellar Entertainment
Read the article

Until next week

ABOUT APEX

The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) encompasses a network of airlines, businesses and professionals that are committed to providing a world-class airline experience for passengers around the globe. Every day, APEX members are improving every aspect of the airline experience, from designing, building and installing seating, entertainment and communications systems on commercial aircraft, to airport lounges and in-flight dining. Visit apex.aero for more information. APEX is professionally managed by Kellen Company, the premier global association management firm with offices and representation in the United States, Europe, China, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia.

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