Iberia Brings In Eco-Friendly Designer Amenity Kits

Iberia is introducing new sustainable toiletry bags designed by Catalan designer Teresa Helbig, complementing its summer long-haul flights in business and premium economy classes. These eco-friendly kits, produced by Kaelis using recycled plastic bottles, feature natural, vegan cosmetics from Uvas Frescas, made with surplus grapes from Wine Club (Araex) selections. The kits include essentials like night socks, eye masks, dental care, earplugs, lip balm, and hand cream. Assembled by Envera, employing people with disabilities, these bags are part of Iberia’s effort to minimize waste, with products available upon request and leftovers recycled for reuse.

Aircraft Interior International | Related Iberia unveils revamped inflight dining service – Business Traveller

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Europe’s Airline Consolidation Plans Creep Ahead

The European Commission (EC) is conducting in-depth investigations into two major airline acquisitions in Europe. International Airlines Group’s (IAG) proposed takeover of Air Europa, and Lufthansa’s planned acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways are under scrutiny. The EC's concerns center on potential competition reduction in passenger air transport services, particularly on domestic, short-haul, and long-haul routes in and out of Spain. IAG, owning Spanish airlines Iberia and Vueling, faces particular examination for routes within Spain and between Spain and Latin America. The EC will also review the airlines’ slot portfolios.

Aviation Week | Related Airline SAS critical of EU ‘cautious’ approach to consolidation – Reuters

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FTE Opens Registration For 2024 Events, Including FTE Global

Registration is open for Future Travel Experience’s premier 2024 events, including the FTE Aviation & Robotics Summit (14-16 May, Pittsburgh), FTE EMEA co-located with Ancillary & Retailing (11-13 June, Dublin), FTE Global co-located with APEX/IFSA Global EXPO (28-30 October, Los Angeles), and FTE APEX Asia Expo (19-20 November, Singapore). These events offer unparalleled networking opportunities, insightful conferences and interactive exhibitions of the latest industry technological advancements. Spanning various locations to cater to diverse markets, FTE events offer the perfect opportunity to connect with air transport leaders from across the globe.

Future Travel Experience | Related Bag tracking, robotics, automation and sustainability: top baggage trends to watch in 2024 – FTE

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Collins Teases Complex New Aircraft Seat As It Invests In Kilkeel

Collins Aerospace’s facility in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland, is developing a highly advanced aircraft seat, described as superior to current market offerings. Managing Director of Operations, Alan Henning, highlighted the £16 million-plus investment in the site to support this innovative project. Specifics about the seat, including its class, remain confidential, but Henning emphasized the focus on customer needs, comfort, durability, and customization. The seat will incorporate sustainable materials like thermoplastics to reduce environmental impact. The project is still in the R&D phase, with no set timeline for certification and delivery.

Runway Girl Network | Related Collins Invests In Aircraft Seating R&D At Kilkeel Facility – Aviation Week Network 

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United & American Add Super Bowl Flights With A Nod To Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce

For the upcoming Super Bowl featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, American Airlines and United have added special flights between Kansas City and Las Vegas. American Airlines has flights numbered 1989, referencing Taylor Swift’s birth year and popular album, on February 9 and 10. A return flight, numbered 87 after Chiefs’ Travis Kelce’s jersey, departs Las Vegas on February 12. United is also offering Swift and Kelce-themed flights, along with flights 1995 and 1849 from San Francisco, signifying the 49ers’ last Super Bowl win and the year of the California Gold Rush.

CNN | Related United Airlines Creates Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce-Themed Flight Numbers for Super Bowl – People

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Azinq’s Airport Hive AODB Goes Live At Liverpool Airport

Azinq has successfully implemented its Airport Hive technology, a new Airport Operational Database (AODB), at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. This cloud-based software, introduced in November, transitioned without major issues and offers a suite of airport operational solutions with independently updatable components. The technology enhances airport functionality and adapts to future demands, according to Azinq’s co-founder Chris Taylor. Airport Hive is already in use in 18 airports globally, with plans to launch in five more airports this year.

Airport Technology | Related Azinq airport operations management system goes live at Liverpool John Lennon Airport – Passenger Terminal Today

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Transaction Zones Launched At Dublin Airport

Mars Wrigley International Travel Retail (MWITR) and ARI have inaugurated a pioneering transaction zone partnership at Dublin Airport’s Terminals 1 and 2, marking a first in travel retail. This zone introduces a revamped queue system, staffed transaction areas, and a curated cross-category product selection tailored to travelers’ needs. The initiative, designed to capitalize on impulse purchases and immediate self-consumption, includes popular snacks like Hubba Bubba, Extra gum in new formats, and healthier options like Be-Kind.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Mars Wrigley ITR and ARI debut transaction zone areas at Dublin Airport – TR Business

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> Tweet of the Day

You spoke. We listened. In celebration of us being officially 1 MONTH AWAY from #APEXTECH 2024, hear from Tech Committee Chair Jonas von Krüchten, @AERQ_ , about changes we made to the 2024 schedule based on member feedback from 2023. Register ➡️ http://bit.ly/3yKIZkn #PaxEx

APEX @theAPEXassoc

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!