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January 25, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Alaska Receives First Boeing 737 MAX

Yesterday, Alaska Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 9. The jet seats 178 passengers in the same configuration as the carrier’s Boeing 737-900ERs. The new aircraft will make its debut on March 1, and three more appear to be due for delivery soon. In December, Alaska announced the purchase of 23 additional MAX aircraft, bringing its total number of firm orders and options to 120 737 MAX jets. The airline expressed interest in moving towards an all-Boeing fleet, although around ten Airbus A321neos inherited from Virgin America have many years of service remaining.

Simple Flying | Related Alaska Airlines Boosts 737 MAX Orders and Options to 120 Jets – Boeing

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Inmarsat to Help Develop Zero-Carbon Regional Transport Network in UK

Inmarsat is participating in Project HEART, an initiative funded by the UK government to develop hydrogen-powered automated and remote piloting solutions for aircraft carrying between nine and 19 passengers on regional flights of less than 500 nautical miles. Inmarsat will help power a hybrid connectivity solution that combines its satellite communications with terrestrial networks to allow a human pilot and digital co-pilot, designed by Blue Bear Systems Research, to work together effectively. Up to 100 licensed airfields throughout the UK will be made available as part of the initiative, which is expected to enter service in 2025.

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Vistara Becomes Launch Customer For Panasonic In-Flight Map

Panasonic Avionics’ new in-flight map application called Arc will make its world debut on Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Arc presents over 20 distinct map views in 4K resolution and features 3-D satellite imagery, as well as a personalized map that enables passengers to see the aircraft’s relative position to their selected location throughout the flight. Vistara’s CCO Vinod Kannan praised the system’s ability to engage customers and added that it opens “a whole new medium for us to interact with them.” Future updates will incorporate a kids map and street map views.

Panasonic Avionics | Related FlightPath3D Goes Vertical – FlightPath3D

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Yo-Kai Express Vending Machines Coming to Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport in California will soon be equipped with four Yo-Kai Express vending machines, which can serve up hot fresh bowls of pho, ramen and other rice and noodle dishes in just 45 seconds. Amanda Tsung, the company’s COO, said a contactless ordering and payment option will be added to the company’s app in February or March to address hygiene concerns in light of COVID-19. “With this, customers can preorder up to four bowls at a time and then move away from the machine while it is cooking to give more social distancing to the next customer.”

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Boeing Commits to Aircraft Powered by 100% Sustainable Fuel

Last Friday, Boeing pledged to make all its new commercial aircraft capable of flying on 100% sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by 2030. The airframer said this step is key in order to meet the industry’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2050. Today, sustainable aviation fuels are mixed directly with conventional jet fuel up to a 50/50 blend — the maximum allowed under current fuel specifications. SAF can be made from non-edible plants, agricultural and forestry waste and other sources. Research suggests SAF could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% over the fuel's life cycle, with the potential to reach 100% in the future.

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Lufthansa Hones in on Freshness and Sustainability For New Menu

The culinary offerings for Lufthansa’s short- and medium-haul flights are set. Munich-based gastronomy company dean&david will lead the way with healthy and high-quality salads, bowls, wraps and sandwiches, which will be prepared by Gate Gourmet, Lufthansa's main caterer for Europe. The range of fresh products will be updated every three months. The airline will continue to offer hot beverages, confectionery and patisserie specialties courtesy of Dallmayr. Lufthansa said it will use sustainable materials in nearly all of its food packaging.

Lufthansa Group | Related Lufthansa to require medical-grade masks on flights – BTN Europe

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New Uniforms For Rex Crew Ahead of Domestic Debut

Regional Australian carrier Rex Airlines procured new cabin crew uniforms in preparation for its initial foray into domestic service. Rex’s National Flight Attendant manager, Donna Griffith, said the “fuss-free” white and navy-blue outfits were designed in-house. The airline leased six Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to service its new domestic metro services; the first jet was delivered in November and will operate a Sydney–Melbourne route beginning March 1. Rex aspires to eventually link all Australian capital cities and compete with Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

In between the clouds.

This week, we're highlighting the work of Daniel Rico, which was featured in issue 9.4 of #APEXExperienceMag.

> Tweet of the Day

Serving up some vintage #PaxEx views from a former TWA Constellation at the Airline History Museum in KC ❤️ ✈️ Absolutely in love with the murals on the ceiling in the passenger lounge area, and also thought the berths were interesting 🖼 🛏

Jaspreet @JaspreetTravels

Association News

Free APEX + Viasat Thought Leadership Event on Wednesday

Join APEX and Viasat on 27 January for the first virtual event of the new year! Right now, passengers are traveling with new touchless and connected technologies as the industry enters a new era. How are airlines adapting? Don Buchman of Viasat, Andres Castañeda of Aeroméxico and Clarissa Sebastian from American Airlines will share their thoughts during a panel discussion. Rick Baldridge, CEO and president of Viasat, will also conduct a fireside chat. Both segments will be supplemented by a live Q&A and Skift's Editor at Large Brian Sumers will serve as moderator. Registration is free, so sign up now!

> Quote of the Day

"Accessibility and transparency are key attributes when you have the COVID-19 pandemic going on."

Dr. Joe Leader, APEX/IFSA
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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