Apex Daily Experience

No Images? Open in Browser

January 22, 2021

Go to APEX.AERO

Today's Top Stories

Biden Rescinds Travel Ban Via Executive Order

A Trump-era travel ban that was upheld by the US Supreme Court over two years ago is no longer valid after President Joe Biden signed an executive order. Instead of an outright ban on travelers from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and other nations, Biden proposed a review by State Department and Homeland Security leaders of current vetting procedures and information-sharing. The President also ordered the resumption of visa application processing. Biden called the original bans discriminatory, saying “they have jeopardized our global network of alliances and partnerships.”

SHARE

Second Round of CARES Funding Disbursed

Several US airlines have reached agreements with the Treasury Department about their share of payroll support funding, and cash has exchanged hands. American and Delta airlines will receive around $3 billion each, while Southwest will obtain $1.73 billion. A total of $15 billion was allotted for airlines to put toward salaries, wages and employee benefits through March 31, 2021; 30% of the funds are given in the form of low-interest loans. Airlines accepting government aid must recall all furloughed workers.

Travel Pulse | Related American Airlines brings back 17,500 workers, but doesn’t have work for all of them – Miami Herald

SHARE

Gilat’s ESA Technology Successfully Demonstrated over Inmarsat GX

Gilat Satellite Networks (Gilat) has successfully tested its open-architecture electronically steered antenna (ESA) over Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) network in a live demonstration using the Inmarsat-5 F1 satellite. To enable this, Gilat’s ESA was integrated with Inmarsat’s G-MODMAN solution. The self-pointing antenna logged on to the GX network automatically and supported bi-directional real-time communication in both fixed and dynamic antenna positioning modes. “[The demonstration] emphasizes Gilat’s ESA leadership and readiness for commercial deployment,” said Roni Stoleru, VP Antenna Products & Strategy at Gilat.

inflight-online | Related Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom Celebrate 250th Activation of European Aviation Network Inflight Broadband – Inmarsat

SHARE

New Platform Boasts Intelligent Flight Disruption Management

Amsterdam-based ground transportation company Get-e unveiled a web-based platform that flight operations teams can use to source and book alternative transport and accommodation for travelers in case of flight diversions or delays. It also enables push notifications to be sent to affected customers. The company provides all-day support and a roster of vetted transport providers in 110 countries. It claims it can save airlines money in terms of administration time and possible compensation costs by ensuring that a resolution is instantly in place.

SHARE

Airbus Pulls Back on Planned Aircraft Production Increase

A continued slowdown in the market has led Airbus to implement a slower ramp up of its production rates for A320 family aircraft than previously planned. The OEM anticipated that it would be producing 47 aircraft per month from July, but will now increase from the current rate of 40 per month to 43 in the third quarter of this year and 45 in the final quarter. Monthly production rates for the A220 will increase from four to five aircraft at the end of the first quarter, as scheduled. “With these revised rates, Airbus preserves its ability to meet customer demand while protecting its ability to further adapt as the global market evolves,” it said in a statement.

breaking travel news | Related Airbus reveals delivery and order totals for pandemic hit 2020 – Business Live

SHARE

WSS Files Counterclaim in SmartSky IP Lawsuit

Wireless Systems Solutions (WSS) continued the legal battle initiated by SmartSky Networks (SmartSky) in September 2020 by filing a countersuit. WSS alleges that the plaintiff’s case is without merit, acting as a distraction from its failure to perform under its obligations to WSS. Originally, SmartSky accused WSS of misappropriating intellectual property by allowing its technology to be resold by WSS sister company DAG Wireless. The case will be decided by arbitration, with a hearing scheduled next month.

businesswire | Related Counterclaims and Arbitration: WSS and SmartSky continue legal wrangling – paxex.aero

SHARE

AA Wine Selections Now Available At Home

Thanks to a new delivery service called Flagship Cellars, people over the age of 21 can order bottles of wine from American Airlines’ (AA) exclusive selection. A monthly subscription package that includes three bottles for $100 is available along with a-la-carte ordering. AAdvantage loyalty program members can earn two miles per dollar spent on every order. Since 2015, American has been the top airline for first- and business-class wines in North America.

American Airlines | Related American Airlines Wine Club Is the First of Its Kind – Food and Wine

SHARE

> PHOTO OF THE DAY

An American Airlines Boeing 757 lines up in paradise. Captured at Princess Juliana International Airport by @sincityspotters (via Instagram).

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

> Tweet of the Day

This morning we returned our first WestJet 737 MAX aircraft to service with the departure of flight WS115 from @FlyYYC to @yvrairport. This flight marks an operational milestone after 22 months of preparation and care, ensuring #SafetyAboveAll every step of the way.

WestJet @WestJet

Association News

[VIDEO] Find Out More About APEX Health Safety Powered by SimpliFlying

APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader was recently interviewed by Jane Hobson, editor at PAX Tech and PAX International, about the newly announced APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying program. Watch the interview to learn how the program came about, the purpose of the certification, how the audit process works and the effects it could have on the recovery of air travel post-COVID-19.

US Stimulus Funds for Airline Contractors: Apply Before Monday

Thanks to the efforts of APEX members, the COVID-19 relief provisions of the new stimulus bill include a total of $1B to enable the continuation of the Payroll Support Program for airline contractors. Applications received after 25 January are less likely to be considered, so apply as quickly as possible. Read the Treasury-issued streamlined guidelines and application procedures, and complete your application online.

> Quote of the Day

“Early on during the COVID-19 crisis, Star Alliance member airlines adopted six unified commitments for customer health and hygiene safety.”

Jeffrey Goh, Star Alliance
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