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January 25, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

United CEO Says Airline Will Consider Alternative To Boeing’s Next Airplane

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed frustration with Boeing’s manufacturing issues, particularly the grounding of Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft, which has significantly impacted United’s fleet. United, with 79 of these aircraft, is the most affected carrier. The grounding, mandated by the FAA, led United to anticipate a financial loss in Q1 2024, expecting the planes to remain grounded through late January. Kirby clarified that current open orders with Boeing will not be canceled.

Aviation Source News | Related United Airlines & Boeing 737 MAX 10: No Longer A Sure Thing – One Mile at a Time

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Ryanair Signs Letter Of Intent For Supply Of 100,000 Tons SAF With Eni

Ryanair and Enilive have signed a letter of intent for the supply of up to 100,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at selected Italian airports, to be used between 2025 and 2030. This partnership aligns with Ryanair’s sustainability goals, including a 12.5% SAF usage by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Enilive, focusing on waste feedstocks like used cooking oil for SAF production, aims to increase its biorefining capacity to over 5 million tonnes/year by 2030.

SAF Investor | Related Ryanair and Enilive sign SAF agreement – Biofuels International Magazine

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Lufthansa Group Selects Viasat For In-Flight Connectivity Upgrades

Lufthansa Group has chosen Viasat to equip over 150 aircraft, including Airbus A320s, A320neos, and A220s of Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines, with the European Aviation Network (EAN) in-flight connectivity system. EAN, combining Viasat’s S-band satellite with Deutsche Telekom’s ground network, offers robust connectivity for IFE streaming and high-bandwidth activities. The new FlyNet portal, accessible on EAN-equipped aircraft, allows passengers to access various services, including free text and picture messaging on SWISS short-haul flights. Additional services like web surfing and streaming are available for a fee.

Aircraft Interiors International | Related Lufthansa Group chooses Viasat for in-flight connectivity upgrades – Inflight

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Austrian, Lufthansa & SWISS To Equip All A220s & A320s With In-Flight Wi-Fi

Lufthansa Group is expanding its in-flight Wi-Fi offerings to include more Airbus A220 and A320 family aircraft across Austrian, Lufthansa, and SWISS fleets. Over 150 aircraft are slated for installation, including various A320 and A321 models. This addition complements the existing 200 Airbus A320 family aircraft already equipped with internet capabilities. Furthermore, all passengers with a Miles & More account or a Lufthansa Group Travel ID can now access free messaging services on internet-enabled flights. For those requiring more comprehensive internet services, the premium package’s cost has been halved to approximately €6.

Simple Flying | Related SWISS Adding Wi-Fi To Short Haul Fleet – One Mile at a Time

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Security Scanner Delays To Prolong Liquid Bans At UK Airports

Major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Manchester, are unlikely to meet the June 2024 deadline for installing new scanners that would allow passengers to carry up to two liters of liquid in hand luggage. The delay in implementing the new scanners, which also enable passengers to pass through security without removing laptops from bags, is expected to cause confusion and longer queues. The scanners use CT X-ray technology for 3D imaging. While some airports have started installing the new technology, full implementation is anticipated only in 2025.

The National | Related UK set to ease airport security rules in 2024 – Airport Technology

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oneworld To Launch Alliance-Wide Upgrades This Year

oneworld alliance is set to launch an alliance-wide upgrade program later this year, allowing frequent flyers to use points from one airline to upgrade on another within the alliance. Initially, only a few of the oneworld airlines will participate. The program won’t introduce a universal oneworld currency, so each airline will set its own conversion rates for points and miles. The initiative, complex in execution due to differing upgrade policies and reward seat availability among airlines, aims to enhance customer experience by offering broader upgrade options across the alliance.

Executive Traveller | Related A New Way to Upgrade: American Airlines Rolls Out oneworld Upgrades in 2024 – View from the Wing

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LATAM Expands IFE Partnership With Touch

LATAM Airlines Group has extended its partnership with Touch Inflight Solutions for five more years to enhance its onboard entertainment platform, ‘LATAM Play’. This collaboration aims to offer unique and exclusive content experiences that showcase LATAM’s Latin American essence with global appeal. Analytics from onboard screens and passenger devices will guide content selection to match evolving preferences. Additionally, LATAM Play will evolve beyond entertainment, becoming a tool for passenger engagement, promoting the airline’s brand, services, and loyalty program.

Future Travel Experience | Related Touch and LATAM Airlines Group to Extend Innovative IFE Partnership by 5 Years – Touch.aero

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @aviationdylan, showing an Air Premia Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

With some reshuffles in store, here's where you'll find Singapore Airlines' First Class and Suites cabins flying on the carrier's network over the next 9 months. #PaxEx

Mainly Miles @mainly_miles

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

“Partnering with an industry leader like Eni will help Ryanair achieve our ambitious goal of using 12.5% SAF by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2050. Eni is a key supplier in our largest market, Italy, and their success in producing SAF will play a significant role as our group grows to carry 300m passengers per annum by 2034.”

Thomas Fowler, Director of Sustainability, Ryanair
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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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