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February 2, 2022

Ethiopian Airlines Returns Boeing 737 MAX to Service

Ethiopian Airlines has returned the Boeing 737 MAX to service. The carrier showcased its confidence in the safety updates to the aircraft, with the airline’s board executives, Boeing executives, ministers, ambassadors, government officials and journalists onboard the first flight. Ethiopian’s CEO, Tewolde GebreMariam, said the airline has “monitored the design modification work and the more than 20 months of rigorous recertification process and... ensured that our pilots, engineers, aircraft technicians and cabin crew are confident on the safety of the fleet.” The airline currently has four MAXs in its fleet and an additional 25 on order.

Aviation 24 | Related Qatar picks Boeing 737 MAX, launches freighter amid Airbus row – Reuters

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AA to Purchase 23 Additional 737 MAX 8 Aircraft

On Wednesday, American Airlines (AA) agreed to purchase an additional 23 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from the OEM. The airline also deferred the delivery of Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which was scheduled to be handed over in January next year. AA intends to convert seven more of its purchase options for the MAX this year, bringing its total order for the aircraft type to 30. Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will continue into 2027, with four 787-9 aircraft now scheduled for delivery in 2023.

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IATA Adopts Use of ICAO Health Master List

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has adopted the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) global directory of public keys required for authentication of health credentials. The Health Master List (HML) is a compilation of public key certificates signed by ICAO and regularly updated as more health proofs are issued and new public keys are required. The directory allows third parties to verify that a QR code displayed on a government-issued health credential is authentic and valid. The HML is available on the ICAO website, where states can upload their public keys and download those of other governments.

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Virgin Australia Announces the Return of its Pride Flights

On March 4, Virgin Australia will operate two ‘Pride Flights’ from Brisbane and Melbourne for passengers heading to celebrate Pride in Sydney. Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under’s Maxi Shield and Coco Jumbo, Sydney drag royalty and cabin crew member Penny Tration, and Tora Hymen, each will feature a pre-flight departure party, mid-air drag performances and bottomless beverages. “This year, $30 from the sale of each Pride Flight ticket will be donated to Minus 18, who do incredible work in the community to … build social inclusion for young people,” said Virgin Australia’s chief people officer, Lisa Burquest.

Virgin Australia | Related BOTTOMLESS BEVERAGES, SEAT-POCKET BINGO AND A MID-FLIGHT PROPOSAL: THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM VIRGIN AUSTRALIA’S MAIDEN ‘PRIDE FLIGHT’ – Travel Weekly

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AA Launches American Black Film Festival IFE Channel

American Airlines (AA) has sponsored the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) for over 20 years, and has now introduced an ABFF channel to its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The channel will showcase four short films and documentaries during February – Postmate, Not Just a Name, Code Switch and Descended from The Promised Land: The legacy of Black Wall Street – with more films to be added throughout the year. Among many other initiatives coinciding with Black History Month, AA is also showcasing a Black History Month IFE channel curated by its Black Professional Network Employee Business Resource Group.

American Airlines | Related 12 Travel Destinations to Celebrate Black History Month in 2022 – TravelPulse

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Swissport Opens Second Aspire Lounge at MAN

Swissport has opened its second Aspire lounge at Manchester Airport (MAN) in the recently expanded Terminal 2. The 240-square-meter lounge offers seating for up to 81 travelers and features Manchester-inspired artwork, floor-to-ceiling windows, a fully-equipped business area with desk booths, free Wi-Fi and chargers at each table. It also offers complimentary digital magazines and newspapers, and a selection of hot food, snacks, alcoholic beverages, hot drinks and soft drinks. The first Aspire lounge at MAN is located in Terminal 1.

Business Traveller | Related Swissport to Provide Passenger Services for Eurowings at Cologne Bonn Airport – Aviation Pros

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SWISS Launches New Short-Haul SWISS Saveurs Menu

SWISS International Air Lines (SWISS) has launched its new SWISS Saveurs menu on short-haul flights. It offers a variety of items from local producers such as Confiserie Sprüngli, Biscuits Agathe, yamo, Opaline, Zweifel Pomy-Chips, Noshballs and more. Vegan and vegetarian options include a Beyond Meat burger with Swiss mountain cheese that’s available on longer European flights. Additional items include a vegan bulgur salad with radishes, mint, grilled pine nuts and cherry tomatoes; and a cold cuts platter featuring dried bacon, artisanal smoked sausage, air-dried beef and walnut bread.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A Boeing 787-9 taking off at YVR airport amidst the beautiful mountains of BC, Canada. Captured by @canada_spotter

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

> Tweet of the Day

Edmonton Airport teams up with Aira to launch live virtual assistant. "With Aira, our travelers who have visual impairments can now have a memorable airport experience, confidently and independently." Steve Maybee, EIA.

Regional Gateway @RegionalGateway

Association News

Save the Date: APEX TECH

The APEX Technology Committee is looking forward to welcoming airline in-flight entertainment and connectivity managers to the next APEX TECH event, sponsored by Panasonic, on March 30 in Irvine, California. Free to attend, the one-day event will focus on the latest developments in the content delivery ecosystem. For those unable to reach the event in person, there will also be the opportunity to attend virtually, either via Zoom or in a webinar format.

> Quote of the Day

“For international travel today, it is critical that COVID-19 health passes can be efficiently verified outside of their country of issuance."

Willie Walsh, IATA
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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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