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January 13, 2022

Intelsat Orders Two Satellites from Thales Alenia Space

Intelsat has enlisted Thales Alenia Space to build two software-defined satellites, Intelsat 41 (IS-41) and Intelsat 44 (IS-44), which are due to enter service in 2025. Operating in both Ku- and C-band frequencies, they will provide connectivity across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Based on Thales Alenia Space’s Space Inspire product line, Intelsat said the satellites will allow for instant in-orbit adjustment to connectivity demand and superior video broadcasting performance. Two more software-defined satellites, IS-42 and IS-43, are being produced by Airbus for delivery to Intelsat in 2023.

Runway Girl Network | Related Intelsat gets the OK for restructure after bankruptcy filing – Telecoms.com

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China is Blocking the Entry of Some US Flights

Since some passengers tested positive for COVID-19 on flights arriving from the US in late December, China has been some blocking flights from entering the country. American and United have both canceled six flights to Shanghai, while Delta has canceled two. China is tightening travel restrictions ahead of its plans to host the Winter Olympics next month. It currently limits capacity on inbound flights to 75% and requires passengers to be tested before departure and after arriving in the country. If passengers test positive, the airline that carried them can be forced to cancel two to four flights, depending on the number of cases.

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Wizz Air Raises $573 Million to Fund Expansion

Ultra-low-cost carrier Wizz Air has issued a new $573 million bond offering to support its planned European expansion. The expansion plans include increasing its fleet size from approximately 130 to 170 aircraft using A320neos and A321neos by this summer. The fleet growth is part of the carrier’s long-term plans to add 500 aircraft to its fleet in the next decade. Wizz Air currently has 330 aircraft on order, including 34 Airbus A320neos and 47 A321XLRs. The remaining orders are for A321neos. The airline’s expansion strategy has been successful thus far, with Wizz Air recently becoming Italy’s third largest airline.

Simple Flying | Related Wizz Air urges EU to keep 'use it or lose it' airport slot rule – Reuters

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AERQ Joins Streaming Video Alliance

AERQ has joined the Streaming Video Alliance, a technical association developing solutions to address critical challenges in delivering a high-quality video experience at scale. AERQ hopes to use the interoperability guidelines and the environment provided by the alliance to develop new in-flight video streaming solutions. Jason Thibeault, Streaming Video Alliance’s executive director, said, “AERQ’s … expertise about streaming video applications in the aviation industry … contributes to improving the output of our working groups and making best practices, guidelines, and specifications more inclusive of all streaming use cases.”

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Hans Airways Signs Letter of Intent on First Airbus A330-200

UK startup Hans Airways has signed a letter of intent for an Airbus A330-200 that has been in operation with a European airline since 2008. The aircraft features a two-cabin layout with 275 economy-class and 24 premium economy-class seats. The A330 will be re-registered as G-KJAS, adopting the surname of one of the airline’s early investors. Hans Airways aims to begin revenue service this summer and will operate flights to secondary cities in India from Birmingham Airport. Its first set of cabin crew started training on January 3.

Hans Airway | Related The start-up boom continues. Which airlines are due to launch in 2022? – Aerotime

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CarTrawler’s Service Now Accessible Via Priority Pass App

A new partnership between Collinson-owned Priority Pass and CarTrawler will allow Priority Pass members to access CarTrawler’s diverse car rental and airport transfer offerings via the Priority Pass application. The service will be available globally in 42 different languages. Christopher Evans, joint CEO at Collinson, commented, “Our customers are looking for enhanced, digitally enabled, end-to-end customer experiences. This partnership directly responds to that need.” CarTrawler’s network encompasses 2,200 car rental and mobility providers across 56,000 locations worldwide.

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Volotea Becomes First Navitaire Customer to Fully Transition to the Cloud

Volotea has become the first Navitaire customer to move its digital-first airline reservations and retailing platform, New Skies, to Microsoft Azure, further positioning itself as a data-driven airline that can offer personalized digital experiences. The successful migration of Voloteas’ New Skies operation to Azure lets Navitaire execute key cloud strategies to increase its operational capabilities with enhanced abilities to dynamically scale, automate resiliency and unlock richer operational insights through on-demand information and optimization.

Business Wire | Related Navitaire Expands Investment in Cloud With Move of Digital Platform – Business Wire

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A Sky Express A320neo blasting out of Brussels Airport! Captured by @vliegtuigspottersbelgium

Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

We are pleased to present our brand new website entirely dedicated to STELIA Aerospace's range of Premium passenger seats. Enjoy the ride! https://stelia-aerospace.com/en

STELIA AEROSPACE @STELIAAEROSPACE

> Quote of the Day

"By joining the Streaming Video Alliance, we join a group of industry leaders who are shaping the future of online video."

Sang Soo Lee, AERQ
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Until 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.