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January 10th, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Hyundai aircraft arm unveils flying taxi for 2028

Hyundai's air mobility division, Supernal, has unveiled the S-A2, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, set for production in 2028. With a design led by Hyundai's chief designer, Luc Donckerwolke, the S-A2 is envisioned as an alternative to taxis in urban areas, accommodating up to five people, including the pilot. Expected to meet the rising demand for electric aircraft, Hyundai President Jaiwon Shin believes the market could potentially reach "hundreds of thousands" of such aircraft. The S-A2, emphasizing Hyundai's mass production capability, aims to leverage automotive expertise for aviation manufacturing and technology. Flight tests are scheduled to begin in 2025.

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Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary is Second Airline Boss to Slam Boeing

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has criticized Boeing for perceived quality control issues following the Alaska Airlines incident where a door plug on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 blew out. O'Leary, the second airline executive to voice concerns, expressed worries about potential delivery delays affecting summer capacity. While Ryanair doesn't operate the MAX 9, O'Leary highlighted Boeing's need to enhance quality control. The airline expected 27 new Boeing aircraft by Christmas but received only 11. O'Leary emphasized the impact on airfares and urged Boeing and Airbus to improve production plans. Emirates' President, Sir Tim Clark, also linked the incident to Boeing's quality control challenges.

Paddle Your Own Canoe | Related

Boeing chief admits ‘our mistake’ after 737 Max door panel mishap - Financial Times

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Delta and Spotify debut new ‘The Passport Sessions’ series connecting artists, cultures and stories

Delta and Spotify have launched "The Passport Sessions," a docuseries available on Delta's in-flight entertainment. The series brings together artists from twin cities globally, exploring cultural influences on music. The first episode, "From Miami to Medellín," follows Miami-based singer Maye and producer Andy Clay collaborating with Colombian artists Juan Duque and Aria Vega. Delta's Chief Marketing Officer, Alicia Tillman, sees it as a celebration of Delta's commitment to connecting people and places. The partnership enhances Delta's in-flight entertainment, complementing Spotify's curated audio, which has garnered over 150 million listens since their collaboration started in September 2021.

Breaking Travel News | Related Delta and Spotify debut new ‘The Passport Sessions’ series connecting artists, cultures and stories - Delta

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Hybrid Aircraft Market projected to reach USD 7.0 Billion by 2030

The global Hybrid Aircraft market, valued at USD 1.73 Billion in 2023, is projected to reach USD 7.0 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 22.1%. A report by analyst firm Market Digits made the projection covering various segments, including aircraft type (regional transport, commercial aviation, defense aircraft, UAVs), aircraft category (fixed-wing hybrid aircraft, rotary-wing hybrid aircraft), power source (electric hybrid aircraft, hydrogen hybrid aircraft, solar hybrid aircraft), and flying range. The company says that the rising awareness of climate change and reduced operating costs are driving the adoption of hybrid aircraft, especially in North America, which dominates the market.

Yahoo! Finance | Related

JSX orders up to 330 hybrid-electric regional airplanes - Reuters

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Flyers on Mexico's New Airline Have Some Planes All to Themselves

Mexico's state airline, Mexicana de Aviacion, launched operations with some passengers experiencing near-private travel due to low load factors. A YouTube video showed a passenger flying on an empty plane from Ciudad Victoria to Mexico City in the airline's first week. The slow ramp-up, with 220 flights so far, has led to lower passenger numbers, possibly due to initial issues with online ticket purchases. Despite challenges, Mexicana de Aviacion aims to finish the month with 448 flights and has received 14,162 reservations through June. The state airline, run by the military, was inaugurated on Dec. 26, 2023.

Bloomberg | Related

Mexico’s new army-run airline promises cheap tickets and new routes - Euronews

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Air France and other foreign airlines to resume Israel flights

Several foreign airlines are resuming flights to Israel. Lufthansa Group, Air France, Bulgaria Air, Lot (Poland), Blue Bird (Czech Republic), Vueling (Spain), Transavia (France), and TUS (Cyprus) have announced the resumption of flights. The decision by foreign airlines is seen as tactical, considering the current lack of incoming tourism to Israel. Despite the return of legacy airlines, there's no word on when low-cost carriers like EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Ryanair will resume flights to Israel. At the same time, the number of Israelis looking to travel abroad is increasing again.

Globes | Related

Resumption of partial flight services to Israel expected despite security concerns - Aviation24.be

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Male Airport To Open New Domestic Terminal, Eyes LCC Terminal

Male's Velana International Airport (MLE) in the Maldives is set to open a new domestic terminal, with plans for an additional terminal dedicated to Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs). The new domestic terminal, part of a long-term expansion plan, will handle 7.3 million passengers annually. It is designed to accommodate 2,000 passengers per hour, a significant increase from the current terminal's 300 passengers per hour. The airport also envisions a dedicated LCC terminal capable of handling 1,000 passengers per hour. Other expansion plans include increasing fuel farm capacity and constructing a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility meeting European Union Aviation Safety Agency standards. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu aims for MLE to handle 25 million annual passengers within 20 years.

Aviation Week | Related

Maldives unveils major expansion plan for Velana International Airport - Aviation Source News

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @avgeek_a321, it shows a Lufthansa A340-300 about to land in Frankfurt. Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

“If we have a bigger system-wide or fleet issue, we will issue an urgent safety recommendation to push for change.” NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy. #airsafety #paxex

Mary Kirby @MaryBKirby

Association News

NEW Online APEX Merchandise Store

We are thrilled to announce the launch of an online APEX Store. ‘Tis the season of giving, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than treating your colleagues and team to a gift from the APEX Store. You can find the perfect holiday gift and show your support for your APEX community. Start Shopping.

APEX TECH | 28-29 February 2024 | Los Angeles, CA, USA

Come embark on a journey to explore the latest advancements and innovations in the world of Inflight Connectivity, Media Content and Supply Chain, Data Capture and Intelligence, and Ancillary and Passenger Experience Use. Join us at 2024 APEX TECH, 28-29 February, in Los Angeles, CA, and learn from and network with airlines and service providers. Registration is now open!

> Quote of the Day

“Capacity is heavily challenged … airfares, particularly peak summer, are going to be higher because there’s going to be less short-haul capacity around Europe.”

Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary
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The next newsletter will be out tomorrow.

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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