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February 1, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Canadian Government, Airlines Agree to Suspend Sun Routes

Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing and Air Transat will no longer be operating flights to the Caribbean and Mexico in support of the Canadian federal government’s new rules aimed at discouraging international travel and reducing the potential influx of new strains of COVID-19. "Yes, it is extremely low, the percentage of cases that are traced back to international travel, but it's not zero,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during last Friday’s announcement. International flights may only land at the Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Montreal airports. Travelers will face mandatory PCR testing upon arrival and must quarantine in a hotel at their own expense as they await their test result.

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LAX Implements Contactless ID Scanners

The TSA installed credential authentication technology (CAT) at every security checkpoint in Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). CAT removes the need to physically hand boarding passes or photo IDs to screening officers. Now travelers over the age of 18 can self-scan their documents at CAT terminals to confirm their identity and prove that they are ticketed for travel that day. Passengers will still need to check in with their airline and show their boarding pass to the airline gate agent before boarding. Over 1,500 CAT units are present at 125 airports nationwide.

Homeland Security Today | Related TSA deploys new credential authentication tech for checkpoint screening – Biometric Update

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Carlisle IT Receives EASA STC For A320 Family JetWave Installs

Carlisle Interconnect Technologies has been awarded a supplemental type certificate (STC) from EASA to install Honeywell’s JetWave Ka-band hardware on Airbus A320 family aircraft. The STC covers all aircraft structural provisions, outside aircraft equipment and electrical integration packages for the JetWave system. “CarlisleIT’s extensive certification experience, including 202 STCs and 100 VSTCs, ensures that any equipment installation is completed safely and in compliance with airworthiness regulations, regardless of location,” said Chris Rawley, product line manager, Aircraft Connectivity Solutions at CarlisleIT.

Inflight-Online | Related Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CIT) Launches Adjustable Fittings to Support Innovative Aerospace Applications – Carlisle IT

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Delta Launches Touchless Experience at DTW

Building on its existing facial recognition technology used by international travelers, Delta Air Lines is now offering a touchless curb-to-gate experience for domestic travelers at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Customers may voluntarily participate in the program provided they have a passport number and a TSA PreCheck membership, which serve as the person’s digital ID. “We plan to expand curb-to-gate facial recognition and digital ID beyond the Detroit test so that all of our customers can enjoy a seamless, touchless travel experience across our network,” said Bill Lentsch, Delta’s chief customer experience officer.

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Documentaries Are Hot Content, Say IFE Providers

With Hollywood films harder to come by right now, fact-based IFE purveyors like Flame Distribution and Ideas Roadshow say the time to stock up on fresh documentary content is now. It allows viewers to satisfy their wanderlust during pandemic lockdowns, and enables airlines to refresh their content slate while minimizing spend. “For all the challenges they cause, a crisis like the pandemic represents an ideal opportunity to stop and change your worldview,” explained Irena Burton, co-founder and COO, Ideas Roadshow.

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Boom Supersonic Grows Executive Team

Joe Massaquoi and Kathy Savitt have joined Boom Supersonic as chief financial officer and chief commercial officer respectively. Massaquoi held senior roles at two investment banks before working at Boeing and Initium Aerospace, while Savitt previously served as a board member of Alaska Airlines and is an experienced C-Suite executive. The company also welcomed three new members to its board of directors. “Boom now has the team, the resources and the partnerships in place to achieve our aggressive 2021 goals and to realize our long-term vision," said Blake Scholl, Boom's founder and CEO.

PR Newswire | Related Engine Studies Advance Program Development and Focus on Sustainability – Boom Supersonic

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American Express Unveils Centurion Lounge at Denver Airport

American Express has opened a new Centurion Lounge spanning 14,000 square feet at Denver International Airport. The décor, which includes a two-sided living wall and a custom mural of the Rockies, pays homage to the area’s natural surroundings. There are casual seating areas, workstations, day spas, meditation rooms and spacious family rooms, as well as a game room with adult-size versions of checkers and Connect Four. James Beard Award-winner Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson will serve as executive chef and Mixologist Jim Meehan is overseeing the cocktail program. It has capacity for 310 guests.

CN Traveler | Related Gulf Air moves home to its brand new terminal in Bahrain, with new ground experience – The Design Air

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

To complement a story about airlines transforming into content producers, illustrator Marcelo Cáceres imagineered this airport-turned-studio.

This week, we're featuring @infografia's' stunning creations for #APEXExperienceMag.

> Tweet of the Day

Preparation is underway for a rocket-powered test flight of SpaceShipTwo Unity from Spaceport America, New Mexico. The flight window will open on Feb 13th with opportunities to fly throughout the month, pending weather conditions and technical readiness.

Virgin Galactic @virgingalactic

Association News

COVID-19 Update Page: Still Your Source for Top Industry News

The coronavirus crisis has forced airlines, airports and governments to work together and find innovative solutions to restore traveler confidence and uphold the highest levels of safety. To keep tabs on industry goings-on, and trace its recovery, keep this page handy. It’s updated daily with insights courtesy of trusted news sources and stories from our exclusive network of members.

> Quote of the Day

“More and more travelers demand high-quality products and greater choice. They are also passionate about a healthy lifestyle and want the onboard offer to mirror those expectations."

Verena Ventsch, Retail inMotion
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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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