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January 23, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Delta Air Lines Plans Premium A321neos With Flat Beds

In early 2022, Delta Air Lines began incorporating the Airbus A321neo into its fleet, with plans to have 155 delivered by 2027. As of now, nearly 50 A321neos are in operation, offering improved range and fuel efficiency, along with a new first-class seat design. An upcoming premium configuration for the A321neo is expected later in the year, featuring only 148 seats compared to the standard 194. This special layout will include 16 Delta One seats with flat beds and privacy doors, 12 Delta Premium Select seats, 54 Comfort+ seats, and 66 Main Cabin seats.

One Mile At A Time | Related Delta Air Lines launches A321-200NX operations – ch-aviation

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Southwest Pilots Ratify Contract To Boost Pay By 50% By 2028

Southwest Airlines pilots have approved a new contract that will increase their pay by nearly 50% by 2028. This contract affects about 11,000 pilots, making them the last pilot group among the nation’s four largest airlines to receive substantial raises. The approval comes after over three years of negotiations and reflects the broader trend of pilots, especially those at major U.S. airlines, securing pay raises in the post-pandemic era. The trend has been influenced by a pilot shortage, particularly at the smaller airlines that serve as a training ground for larger carriers.

The Associated Press | Related Southwest Pilots Approve New Contract With Huge Raises – One Mile at a Time

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Canada Invests C$6.2 Million Into SAF Study

Canada is investing C$6.2 million ($4.6 million) in a study to support the development of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, including building a factory in Manitoba. The project, led by Azure Sustainable Fuels, receives C$5 million from the Clean Fuels Fund and C$3 million from the Province of Manitoba. The total investment, including funds from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), reaches C$12.3 million. This funding will help Azure develop a facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, using Canadian feedstocks like canola and soybean oils.

Airport Technology | Related Azure to develop SAF facility in Canada – Hydrocarbon Engineering

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Air India Unveils Upgrades For Passenger Experience

Air India is enhancing its passenger experience on international long-haul flights, starting mid-2024, with the introduction of new amenities across cabin classes. The airline will introduce luxurious and sustainable bedding, Ferragamo-designed amenity kits for First Class, and Verso skincare essentials in refreshed Premium Economy kits. Economy class will offer eco-friendly amenity kits on ultra-long-haul flights. First and Business class passengers will enjoy refreshed TUMI loungewear and specially designed linens inspired by Air India’s brand identity, including sustainable duvets and memory foam mattress toppers. The new Chinaware, cutlery, and glassware will feature India-inspired designs.

Economic Times | Related Air India goes for gold with world-class IFE content – Runway Girl Network

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flydubai Enhances Onboard Experience With PressReader Digital Magazines

flydubai has upgraded its in-flight experience by offering passengers complimentary access to PressReader’s digital magazines on 70% of its fleet, with plans to extend this service to more aircraft in the coming months. This enhancement is part of flydubai’s expanding collaboration with PressReader. Additionally, passengers using the flydubai Business Lounge at Dubai International Airport can access PressReader’s extensive content for free. They can download their preferred publications before their flight by connecting to the lounge’s Wi-Fi and using the PressReader app.

Future Travel Experience | Related PressReader announces IFE content partnership with flydubai – Inflight

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Global Air Travel Regains Momentum At 99% Of Pre-Covid Level

Global air travel in November 2023 nearly matched pre-COVID-19 levels, reaching 99.1% of the volume seen in November 2019, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The total air travel traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers, grew by 29.7% compared to November 2022. International travel increased by 26.4% year-on-year, with the Asia-Pacific region leading the growth at 63.8%, and international passenger numbers hitting 94.5% of November 2019’s count. Domestic air travel also saw a significant rise, up 34.8% from November 2022 and 6.7% above November 2019 levels.

Economy Middle East | Related Air travel reaches 99% of 2019 levels, IATA finds – Passenger Terminal Today

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Schiphol Airport Opens Four Renovated Shops In Lounge 1

Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands has unveiled four revamped retail outlets in Lounge 1, as part of its lounge redevelopment. These include Capi’s largest shop at the airport, offering a range of electronics and travel accessories, and three stores by World of Delights: Finefoods, We love Amsterdam, and Let’s Play, selling snacks, Dutch souvenirs, and toys. Works are mainly conducted at night to minimize disruption, with a focus on material reuse to support the airport’s 2030 waste-free goal.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Mondelez World Travel Retail opens first shop-in-shop at Amsterdam Schiphol – TR Business

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @mts.yssy.planespots, showing a Qantas 787 aircraft with the Yam Dreaming livery.

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

> Tweet of the Day

How cool is that at @KLM Crown Lounge in AMS? Not sure it’s actually much help, but definitely an eye catcher gripping pax attention #PaxEx

Andreas Spaeth @SpaethFlies

Association News

Shop the Online APEX Merchandise Store

It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Share the love by surprising your colleagues and team with thoughtful gifts from the APEX Store. It's the perfect way to express your appreciation and support for our wonderful APEX community. Start spreading the love – Start Shopping today!

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

“[This is] a significant investment to seize global economic opportunities and help position Manitoba and Canada as leaders in the future of SAF production. These clean fuel projects will help create good jobs and grow the economy, all while reducing pollution on the path to net zero.”

Canada’s Minister of Energy & Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson
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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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