Apex Daily Experience

No Images? Open in Browser

January 14, 2022

Elbers to Step Down as KLM CEO in March 2022

Pieter Elbers is to step down as president and CEO at KLM on March 1, 2023 after presenting a vision for the future of the airline on February 3. “I am extremely proud of this company and its fantastic employees … My thirty-year career with the blue KLM family has been an unimaginably beautiful journey that I will always cherish,” he said. Elbers has held the position of president and CEO for two terms since 2014. An online petition already signed by 400 current and ex-KLM employees is reportedly circulating in a bid to keep him in the role.

Simple Flying | Related Air France-KLM adds biofuel surcharge to plane tickets – France 24

SHARE

Thales to Create Highest-Ever Wi-Fi Spot During Airbus Perlan Mission II

Thales is set to create the highest-ever Wi-Fi spot as part of its work during the Airbus Perlan Mission II. The plan is to deploy Thales’ FlytLink Iridium Certus-based satellite communications system on a zero-emission glider at more than twice the altitude of a commercial airline flight. FlytLink will provide viewers with live coverage of the glider’s flight by enabling access to real-time data downloads. Ed Warnock, The Perlan Project’s CEO, said, “We look forward to inspiring new generations of scientists, engineers and pilots in environmentally conscious aviation.”

The Engineer | Related Thales Announces AA as Launch Customer for its 4K HDR Optiq IFE Displays – APEX Media

SHARE

IMG Renews Partnership with The Australian Open

A renewed agreement between Tennis Australia and IMG will see The Australian Open shown on Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra for a further three years. The deal also includes The Australian Open’s lead-in events and Originals Programs. Richard Wise, SVP Content and Channels at IMG’s media business, said, “As the first Grand Slam of the year, The Australian Open is always a must-see event for tennis and sports fans alike.” The live sports channels for airline and cruise passengers have been broadcasting the tournament for over 10 years.

Broadcast Now | Related IMG’s Sport 24 Renews UEFA Agreement for Three More Years – APEX Media

SHARE

Eve and Falko Announce Partnership

Regional aircraft lessor Falko has signed a letter of intent for a potential order of 200 Eve electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) aircraft. Falko and Eve will also enter a commercial partnership to develop a global network of eVTOL operators. Furthermore, the pair will establish a working group to develop initial route networks where Eve’s aircraft can be deployed in early adopter markets. Eve’s portfolio of next-generation air traffic management software, service capabilities and fleet operations services will be deployed to create a safe, scalable network for Falko’s lessees.

SHARE

Air France Cuts Single-Use Plastics from Latest Amenity Kits

Air France’s new amenity kit for long-haul business-class passengers is made up of 93% recycled material. Featuring the carrier’s winged seahorse emblem and available in two colorways, grey and navy blue, they contain a toothbrush and pen made of cornstarch, ear plugs packaged in kraft paper, a sleep mask, socks, toothpaste and Clarins cosmetics. Long-haul premium economy-class passengers receive a similar red or blue kit minus the Clarins products. In both cabins, plastic packaging has been replaced with a tamper-evident seal. Furthermore, headsets are now cleaned and reused.

SHARE

Emerald Airlines to Open Base at Belfast City Airport

On Thursday, Aer Lingus Regional network operator Emerald Airlines announced plans to open a base at George Best Belfast City Airport later this year. The carrier will operate flights to Scottish and English cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Exeter and Leeds. In July, Emerald Airlines won the contract to operate the Aer Lingus Regional franchise and is set to begin its first flights on St Patrick’s Day. The airline will confirm opening dates and routes once it receives its air operator’s certificate and operating licence from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Irish Times | Related Aer Lingus and Emerald Airlines accelerate regional launch plans – BTN Europe

SHARE

Cathay Reopens London First- and Business-Class Lounges

Cathay Pacific has reopened its first- and business-class lounges at Heathrow Terminal 3 despite its flights between London and Hong Kong being suspended. The business-class lounge features a noodle bar, while the first-class lounge offers an apartment-style ambiance and an extensive a la carte menu. Eligible passengers traveling with Oneworld airlines, including Finnair, British Airways and Qantas, will have access to the space. Qantas has also reopened its own London lounge adjacent to Cathay’s.

Executive Traveller | Related Cathay Pacific adds HBO Max to IFE options – Business Traveller

SHARE

> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-9 at Arturo Merino Benítez Airport in Chile. Captured by @martinezroe7

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

> Tweet of the Day

EVERY plane we deliver from Alabama now has Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)! ALL aircraft coming out of our Mobile facility are fueled by a blend of U.S.-sourced SAF and conventional jet fuel. Goal 2035: Develop zero carbon-producing commercial aircraft. #SustainableAviation #SAF

Airbus in the U.S. @AirbusInTheUS

> Quote of the Day

"We hope that the live stream will encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in aerospace, science and engineering."

Marc Duval Destin, Thales
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.

Connect with APEX

You have received this email because you are subscribed to this newsletter from apex.aero.

Change email frequency | Unsubscribe