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February 1, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Emirates Launches Loungewear For Business Class Customers

Emirates has introduced complimentary loungewear for Business Class passengers on flights exceeding 9 hours. The set, made from lightweight, breathable premium modal fabric, includes a cowl neck top, drawstring pants, slippers, and an eye mask, all packed in a drawstring pouch. Designed for comfort and style, the loungewear is suitable for sleeping and casual wear, ensuring passengers arrive in style. On shorter flights over 2 hours and 30 minutes, passengers will receive slippers and an eye mask. This new attire, developed in-house by Emirates, underwent extensive testing on select routes before launch.

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2024 IFE Content Trends, According to West Entertainment

In this piece of sponsored content, West Entertainment’s SVP Entertainment Asif Khan shares his opinion that the CSP industry is witnessing a shift in viewing tastes, with airlines increasingly demanding partnerships with streaming brands, as well as more Tik-Tok-esque short-form content. West Entertainment is using a data-led approach, enabled by its West DnA service. The company is also excited about Version 2.0 of its WE by West workflow engine, which includes “full Power BI integration for better data insights, improved deal and budget tracking features and an enriched user interface,” says Khan.

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FAA Grants $243 Million For Modernisation & Runway Safety

The FAA has allocated $243.7 million to U.S. airports for modernization and safety improvements, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Of the 150 grants awarded across 37 states, many focus on minimizing runway incursions. This funding complements prior investments targeting frequent near-miss incidents. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlights the necessity of these upgrades due to record passenger numbers and increasing air travel demands. Notable grants include $45 million for runway rehabilitation at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and $18 million for terminal expansion at Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport in Alaska.

Airport Technology | Related The United States Will Invest $243.7 Million In Its Airports – World Nation News

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Maharaja Lives On as Air India Reveals Soft Product Aboard New A350

Air India has creatively preserved the Maharaja mascot in business class lounges and on aircraft crockery. The carrier’s attention to detail was evident during a tour of its first Airbus A350-900, previously intended for Aeroflot. Delivered in December 2023, the plane features Air India’s new branding. Crew members greet passengers in ‘saree pantsuits’, a modern Indo-Western fusion. The A350 boasts Collins Aerospace seats, including Horizon full-flat suites in business class, MiQ seats in a 2-4-2 layout in premium economy, and comfortable 9-abreast Collins Aspire seats in economy. The aircraft also retains a bar from its original Aeroflot configuration.

Runway Girl Network | Related Which routes can you experience features of Airbus A350-900 of Air India – The Hindu

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Virgin Baggage Tracking Comes To International Flights

Virgin Australia is expanding its in-app baggage tracking tool to almost all domestic and international flights. This update makes Virgin the only Australian airline with this feature across its entire network. The app sends push notifications when luggage is loaded onto the plane, transferred to partner airlines, and ready for collection, specifying the collection carousel. This tracking system, which doesn’t offer live geo-positioning like Apple AirTags, relies on airport scanning but gives travelers more control over their luggage’s whereabouts.

Executive Traveller | Related Virgin Australia expands baggage tracking tool to international network – AeroTime

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Dublin Airport Introduces Mobile Passport Control Service For US Pre-Clearance

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, downloadable from the Apple App and Google Play stores, streamlines U.S. entry for travelers. By submitting travel documents, photos, and customs declarations via the app, passengers can reduce inspection and overall wait times at the airport’s pre-clearance facility. MPC users don’t need pre-approval, can skip paper forms, and may access designated queues, leading to shorter wait times and less congestion. Currently, 15 preclearance locations exist globally, with Billy Bishop Toronto City airport joining in 2025.

Business Traveller | Related New Mobile Passport Control at Irish airports to make travel to the US faster than ever – Irish Star

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Riga Airport Announces Development & Rebranding Project

Riga Airport in Latvia has unveiled a new visual identity and brand name, “RIX Riga Airport” (Latvian: RIX Rīgas lidosta), incorporating its widely recognized airport code, RIX, into a simplified full name. The rebranding consolidates many sub-brands under a unified visual identity, using the tagline “Closer than expected” to highlight convenient connectivity and accessibility. Designed by Asketic with advertising agency WKND, the branding draws inspiration from Latvian nature, culture, and architectural elements. The rollout, spanning four years, begins this year, updating materials across digital platforms, signage, clothing, and more.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Riga Airport to implement ambitious development and rebranding projects – TravelDailyNews International

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @trevisan26_aviation, showing a Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 aircraft taxiing at JFK International Airport.

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

> Tweet of the Day

We're excited to unveil the #APEXTECH workshop sessions that take a deep dive into IFC and evaluate how cutting-edge technologies will affect the IFC landscape for airlines as well as their impact on the #PaxEx. Learn more: http://bit.ly/42l3v8W @sgracetaylor #Aviation

APEX @theAPEXassoc

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!

Delta Air Lines’ Ekrem Dimbiloglu to join us at APEX TECH

We’re delighted Ekrem Dimbiloglu will be joining us at APEX TECH. He is Delta Air Lines’ Managing Director of Customer Experience. Find out more about Ekrem’s work on Delta SYNC in this insightful interview he did with NPR.

> Quote of the Day

“There are other nuances to programming content for airlines, including cultural and censorship requirements. In other words, the human touch is still required when it comes to curating IFE.”

West Entertainment’s SVP Entertainment Asif Khan
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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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