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January 18, 2022

Lufthansa Selects ZIMprivacy Premium Economy Seating

Lufthansa Group is to install ZIM Aircraft seating’s ZIMprivacy premium economy-class seat across a range of Lufthansa and SWISS aircraft. They will be fitted onboard SWISS’ Airbus A340s and Boeing 777s this quarter, as well as on 19 of Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8s and nine SWISS Airbus A330s. Furthermore, they will be installed on Lufthansa’s new Boeing 777-9s, Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s in the future. The seats feature an integrated privacy shield, adjustable armrests, a cocktail table, meal table, personal reading light, ambient mood lighting and an extra-large in-flight entertainment screen.

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Airbus & Partners Jointly Study HAPS Connectivity Services

Airbus, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, NTT DOCOMO and SKY Perfect JSAT have signed a memorandum of understanding announcing a joint study to identify the early deployment requirements of high-altitude platform stations-based (HAPS) connectivity services. They will investigate the use of the Airbus Zephyr unmanned aerial system and the three partner companies’ wireless communication networks to test HAPS connectivity as well as lobbying for standardization and institutionalization of HAPS operations before ultimately launching a space-based wireless connectivity ecosystem.

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Advanced Mobility to Future-Proof IFC, Says ST Engineering iDirect

For airlines to provide the best Quality of Experience in relation to in-flight connectivity (IFC), ST Engineering iDirect's VP Product Management Sean Yarborough and head of Mobility Andrew Faiola believe airlines need to harness “advanced mobility,” which they define as a set of products, technologies and capabilities.These include many elements that are considered part of the ground segment, such as flat-panel antennas and aero-optimized modem boards. “As new constellations and networks materialize … advanced mobility features become the basis of a true broadband experience for passengers in-flight.”

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Maldivian Orders Three ATR Aircraft

Maldivian, Island Aviation Services and ATR have signed a contract for the purchase of two ATR 72-600s and one ATR 42-600 aircraft, which will be delivered in 2022. The turboprops will feature new PW127XT engines, which offer a three percent reduction in fuel consumption and 20% reduction in maintenance costs compared to previous models. They also have the capability to use sustainable aviation fuels. “We welcome Maldivian as a new customer and we are proud to contribute sustainably to the modernization and expansion of the flag carrier of the Maldives,” said Stefano Bortoli, ATR’s CEO.

Times Aerospace | Related Alliance Air issues tender to refurbish entire fleet of 18 ATR-72 aircraft – Business Standard

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Swedavia Launches Fossil Fuel-Free Diesel Incentive

In 2021, Swedavia reached net-zero carbon emissions across its ten airports. It is now incentivizing other operators at its facilities to switch to sustainable fuel alternatives. On January 1, Swedavia raised the price of conventional diesel to match the price of HVO 100 diesel, which is made from Hydro-Treated Vegetable Oil, at Stockholm Arlanda and Goteborg Landvetter. The goal is for ground operations across Swedavia’s airports to be fossil-fuel-free by 2025. HVO 100 is palm-oil free and meets the sustainability requirements set out in the Swedish Sustainability Act.

Simple Flying | Related Malaysia, Chinese firm sign deal on 2nd-generation biodiesel, biojet fuel – Reuters

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Flybondi Adds Two More Boeing 737-800s to its Fleet

Argentinian low-cost carrier Flybondi is adding two more Boeing 737-800s to its fleet, which will now total six aircraft of the type. The first, previously operated by Kenya Airways and Jeju Air, arrived on January 14. The second is expected to arrive next month. The carrier plans to have a fleet of up to ten Boeing 737-800s during the first half of 2022. Regarding the airline’s expansion plans, Flybondi’s CEO, Mauricio Sana, said, “We want to double the number of passengers who fly with us today … we will add twice as many aircraft to our fleet in the next six months … This plan will allow us to hire 450 people.”

Aviation Source News | Related Flybondi and JetSMART unions: “The government’s airline policy favors only a few” – Aviacionline

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Bristol Airport Opens Multi-Purpose Sensory Room

Bristol Airport in the UK has opened a multi-purpose sensory room to provide a safe, private and interactive space for passengers with autism, dementia or cognitive impairment to help manage any pre-flight anxieties. The sensory room, designed by inclusivity solutions provider Fun and Function and managed by OCS Group UK, features a color column, infinity tunnel, padded seats, color-changing LEDs and a wheel projector. The space is located in the special assistance area of the departure lounge, is wheelchair accessible and free to use for 45-minute bookable sessions.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Abu Dhabi airport opens sensory rooms for children in need of support – The National News

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Fly me to the moon🎶 an A320 flying out of Brussels Airport. Captured by @brussels_aviator

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

> Tweet of the Day

PASSENGER EXPERIENCE | Two accessible lavatory options will be offered in the Boeing 737 MAX catalog: a 40% more spacious individual lavatory which “allows equitable access and privacy” or a two-lavatory position that can be expanded into one larger accessible unit. #paxex

Mary Bernadette Kirby @MaryBKirby

Association News

Download the 2021 Airline Health Safety Yearbook

To celebrate their commitment to employees and passengers throughout COVID-19, SimpliFlying has created a free eBook containing interviews with 18 CEOs and senior leaders at airlines that have taken part in the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying audit. Each participant discusses the most important thing they learned during the pandemic, new measures that most improved the passenger experience during this time and what they will focus on in 2022 and beyond. Download it now.

> Quote of the Day

“This sensory room opens the skies to travelers, providing a calming oasis within the airport. The experience is immersive, easing stress for families with autism or other challenges.”

Aviva Weiss, Fun and Function
Read the article

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.

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