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January 24, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Delta To Upgrade Boeing 737-800 Cabins With New Seats

Delta Air Lines is upgrading its Boeing 737-800 fleet, which, aside from the Boeing 717s used for short-haul flights, are among its most outdated narrow-body aircraft. With 77 of these planes in its fleet, Delta’s retrofitting process includes installing new cabins similar to those found on the Airbus A321neos. This includes Delta’s new first-class seats and modern entertainment screens. The first retrofitted aircraft, a 22-year-old jet, has recently completed its upgrade. Delta aims to refurbish its entire 737-800 fleet with these new interiors by late 2025, averaging roughly one aircraft per week.

One Mile At A Time | Related Delta Plans Premium A321neos With Flat Beds – One Mile at a Time

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Cathay Pacific A330s To Get New Regional Business Class

Cathay Pacific plans to upgrade its regional A330 fleet starting in 2026. The A330s, mostly used for short to medium-range routes in Asia and as far as Australia, will receive refreshed business and economy class cabins. Most A330s currently feature Cathay’s second-gen lie-flat business class, and some include premium economy. The airline aims to simplify its current A330 cabin layouts to streamline aircraft management across routes and minimize passenger impact during aircraft swaps. There’s speculation that A330s might adopt regional business class recliners instead of lie-flat beds.

Executive Traveller | Related Qantas to upgrade A330 economy seats – Executive Traveller

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MEHAIR Orders ZeroAvia ZA600 Engines

Indian operator MEHAIR (Maritime Energy Heli Air Services Pvt Ltd) has ordered 20 ZA600 hydrogen-electric engines from ZeroAvia to retrofit 10 upcoming Cessna Caravan aircraft. This move supports India's aim for net-zero emissions by 2070 and enhances MEHAIR's services, which started in 2011 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. ZeroAvia’s Chief Customer Officer, James Peck, highlights the potential for economic growth and net-zero progress through clean flight technology. MEHAIR’s Managing Director, Siddharth Verma, emphasizes the role of small aircraft in improving ‘last-mile’ connectivity and boosting local economies under India's UDAN Scheme.

Aviation Source News | Related India’s Mehair orders ZA600 hydrogen kits for C208s – ch-aviation

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Virgin Points Can Now Be Used To Travel With Eurostar

Virgin Red, Virgin’s rewards club, has expanded its redemption options through a new partnership with Eurostar. Members can now redeem Virgin Points for Eurostar e-vouchers worth £10 to £100 for travel to cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and Lille. This follows Eurostar's merger with Thalys, offering access to 29 destinations in Europe, including a London to Alps ski service. Virgin Red, open to new members from 2021, allows Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members to link accounts and utilize Virgin Points.

Business Traveller | Related Aeroplan Now Lets You Earn Frequent Flyer Points For Being Healthy – Simple Flying

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Liverpool Airport Enhances Accessibility With New Sensory Space

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has introduced a new sensory space in its departure lounge, designed to assist passengers with sensory or cognitive impairments, including autism. The £35,000 project, developed in collaboration with ABM, Autism Adventures, and Alder Hey Hospital, offers a calming and relaxing environment for children and adults with special needs. Open daily from 08:00 to 18:00 and wheelchair accessible, this facility aims to provide a more comfortable airport experience, particularly for families. The creation of this space is part of the airport’s ongoing efforts, in partnership with various disability organizations, to support passengers with a range of disabilities, including hidden ones.

Future Travel Experience | Related VINCI Airports launches new biometric solution in Portugal – International Airport Review

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BEUMER Group Completes Baggage Handling System At Changi’s Terminal 2

Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 has completed a major upgrade of its baggage handling system (BHS) by BEUMER Group, part of its expansion project that started in 2020. The modernized system includes updated mechanical elements, control software for better efficiency and reliability, and integration with a new FAST self-service check-in system. Notably, the BHS features the advanced CrisStore rack-based storage system, enhancing baggage handling with a 2,400 bag capacity and 1,200m of CrisBag technology, already in use in Terminals 3 and 4, for improved accuracy and security.

Future Travel Experience | Related Trials of autonomous baggage dolly to begin at CVG – Airport World

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Edmonton Airport Expands Drone Delivery Services

Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) will expand its drone delivery service at Edmonton International Airport in Canada. The project, valued at C$417,000, will now include a new route to a medical clinic in Leduc, Alberta, owned by Montana First Nation. This route is in addition to the existing deliveries from the airport to an off-airport DroneSpot in Leduc County. DDC’s remotely piloted Canary aircraft will operate under Canadian regulations and approvals, with flights controlled from Vaughan, Ontario. Infrastructure deployment will begin soon, with service expected to start later in 2024.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Katowice Airport unveils InPost parcel locker service – Passenger Terminal Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @_el.negro_, showing an Aerolíneas Argentinas Boeing 737 Max-8 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

The new home for the @British_Airways First Wing at LHR till March. Very quick tonight and the lounge is so quiet #paxex #Travel

Fly Speedbird @FLYSpeedbird1

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

“The rapid increase in demand for flights will be a key driver of economic growth and social and cultural exchange, but clean flight technology will be essential to ensure it does not derail net zero progress.”

ZeroAvia’s Chief Customer Officer, James Peck
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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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