Alaska Airlines Buys Virgin America and AIX 2016 Highlights: APEX Daily Experience Week in Review
Share
Here are the most-read stories from this week’s APEX Daily Experience newsletters. To receive breaking passenger experience industry news in your inbox on a daily basis, subscribe here.
Alaska Air Group to Acquire Virgin America for $2.6 Billion
THE NEW YORK TIMES | APRIL 4, 2016
Alaska Air Group, the parent of Alaska Airlines, confirmed today that it has agreed to buy Virgin America for $57 per share, totaling $2.6 billion in cash. The deal will expand Alaska Airlines’ presence in Los Angeles and San Francisco and unite the two domestic carriers, which are among the 10 largest in the US. The transaction was unanimously agreed upon by boards of directors of both companies and is subject to approval by regulators and Virgin America shareholders. The merger is expected to be completed by the beginning of next year.
Top News From Day One at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2016
APEX MEDIA | APRIL 5, 2016
The first day of Aircraft Interiors Expo kicked off with a series of press events from Airbus, B/E Aerospace, Inmarsat and more. Some of the biggest headlines include Rockwell Collins’ partnership with Kazakhstan-based Air Astana to bring in-flight connectivity, Recaro’s announcement that it will provide 2,500 economy seats for Air China, and Panasonic’s IFE deals with Singapore Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines. APEX Media coverage of Aircraft Interiors Expo is sponsored by Inmarsat.
Top News From Day Two at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2016
APEX MEDIA | APRIL 6, 2016
APEX Media is onsite at Aircraft Interiors Expo, covering the latest in passenger experience news. Some of the major headlines from today include Global Eagle Entertainment’s launch of its new wireless IFE platform Entice, AirAsia’s agreement with newcomer Mirus Aircraft Seating and Royal Brunei Airlines’ announcement that it’s going paperless with SITAONAIR’s electronic flight bag (EFB) solution. APEX Media coverage of Aircraft Interiors Expo is sponsored by Inmarsat.
Top News From Day Three at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2016
APEX MEDIA | APRIL 7, 2016
APEX Media is onsite at Aircraft Interiors Expo, covering the latest in passenger experience news. Some of the major headlines from today include Recaro’s announcement of Cebu Pacific Air’s seat order, Air France’s selection of Zodiac Inflight Innovations’ RAVE Centric IFE, Kontron’s cybersecurity initiatives and more. APEX Media coverage of Aircraft Interiors Expo is sponsored by Inmarsat.
Boeing Selects a Direct Supplier for 737 Aircraft Seats
REUTERS | APRIL 5, 2016
Boeing announced Monday it has chosen LIFT by EnCore as the seat supplier for its 737 jets. The newly-launched California-based seat manufacturer will become the first and only of the 11 approved suppliers to sell directly to Boeing for its current 737NG and next-generation 737MAX aircraft. The move is a break from the practice of allowing airlines to purchase seats that lead to costly delays. The LIFT seats, known as “tourist class,” were designed in consultation with Boeing, and offer a width of 17.9 inches and use lightweight composite materials. The company plans to begin delivery by mid-2017.
Brewed at New Heights: Illy Passes on Coffee Know-How to United Airlines Staff
USA TODAY | APRIL 8, 2016
A team of United Airlines employees last week attended Illy’s University of Coffee hosted at The Culinary Institute of America to learn about growing, roasting and preparing a decent cup of joe. The partnership comes after a deal was struck in February for the US carrier to exclusively serve Illy coffee as part of its in-flight catering. United is also working with the Italian coffee supplier to conduct in-flight coffee brewing and taste tests, before the new coffee range begins being served on flights this July.
