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February 2, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Hundreds of flights cancelled in German airports strikes

Security workers at several major German airports have gone on strike, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and disruptions. The Ver.di union called for a one-day strike at 11 airports, including Frankfurt, Berlin, Cologne, Duesseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and more, to pressure employers in a pay dispute. About 1,100 flights, affecting approximately 200,000 passengers, were cancelled or delayed due to the strike. The dispute involves approximately 25,000 security workers, with Ver.di seeking a €2.80 per hour pay raise and bonuses for overtime work to begin from the first extra hour. Talks are scheduled to resume on February 6.

The Independent | Related

Major airport strike in Germany forces flight cancellations at Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt - Euronews

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Ahead of election, Pakistan seals plan to sell national airline

Pakistan's caretaker government, which assumed power in August before the February 8 election, is finalizing plans to sell the loss-making Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $3 billion bailout. The government aims to privatize PIA, which had liabilities of 785 billion Pakistani rupees ($2.81 billion) and accumulated losses of 713 billion rupees as of June 2023. A 51% stake with full management control is expected to be offered to buyers, with the airline's debts spun off into a separate entity. The IMF has expressed satisfaction with the government's efforts to accelerate state-owned enterprise.

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easyJet announces "grans go free" to Europe

easyJet is offering a "grans go free" deal on trips to Europe as part of a campaign to encourage multi-generational family holidays. Research has shown that 50% of UK families have never gone on holiday abroad with their grandparents. Under the offer, one grandparent can travel free to destinations like Spain, Greece, and Italy when booking a family trip. This initiative comes as the travel industry observes a growing trend of multi-generational holidays among younger generations who want to travel with their parents. The offer is available for a limited number of customers and requires the grandparent to be part of a family booking with at least one child.

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IAG discusses collaborative approach to industry transformation and how it is trialling Robotics & Automation, AI, and much more

International Airlines Group (IAG) invited FTE to its HQ, where several key division heads and pioneering figures shared a comprehensive briefing on IAG’s innovation activities. FTE learned how IAG – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – will be collaborating with its airport partners on trials covering robotics & automation, AI & ML, biometrics & digital identity, personalisation, collaboration with startups, sustainability, private networks & IoT, and much more across the ramp, lounges and accessibility.

Future Travel Experience | Related

British Airways turns to AI to improve flight operations - Financial Times

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British Airways announces premium champagne switch

British Airways (BA) will no longer serve Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle champagne in its First Class and Concorde Room offerings. The airline has decided to switch to new premium champagnes as Laurent-Perrier focuses Grand Siècle on other retail markets away from travel. BA will begin serving Pommery Cuvée Louise 2006 in its Concorde Room at London Heathrow's Terminal 5 starting on February 2. Onboard in First Class, a new Champagne option will be available on a rotational basis starting March 1. The wines have been chosen by the airline's Master of Wine, Tim Jackson, and will be rotated on the drinks menu.

Turning Left For Less | Related British Airways Changes Up First Class Champagne - One Mile at a Time

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Sustainability in focus with new kids’ kits on Air Astana

Air Astana is collaborating with Watermark to introduce new inflight children's amenity kits focused on sustainability. Starting in February 2024, these kits, inspired by the four elements - Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire, aim to educate young passengers about environmental consciousness. The kits are tailored for two age groups, 3-6 years and 7-11 years, providing an interactive learning experience about renewable energy sources and the 'four R's' (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair). Designed to be reused after the flight, the kits feature eco-friendly components, such as rPET materials, recyclable water bottles, and compostable packaging.

Onboard Hospitality | Related

Air Astana aims to land $962 million valuation in float - Reuters

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How hydrogen ‘e-fuels’ can power big ships and planes

A feature in Canary Media that looks at how the aviation and international shipping industries aim to transition to cleaner, non-fossil fuel alternatives such as e-methanol, ammonia, and e-kerosene. These fuels are crucial for decarbonising long-distance travel, as batteries are impractical for large distances. While biofuels exist, their production may not meet future demand. Hydrogen-based fuels offer higher energy density and are virtually unlimited in availability. However, the challenge lies in producing clean hydrogen, requiring a significant shift from current fossil-based hydrogen production methods. Achieving just a 10% share of e-fuels in aviation and shipping by 2030 would demand substantial renewable energy investments and electrolyser capacity.

Canary Media | Related Green hydrogen is the only viable route for aviation and shipping - Euractiv

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @yeol.aviation, showing a Korean Air Airlines Airbus A200 aircraft taxiing at Gimpo International Airport Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

#APEXTECH 2024 Change 3️⃣: A more diverse group of participants — & especially more airlines in attendance to share their views. Register now for APEX TECH, February 28-29, in Los Angeles ➡️ http://bit.ly/3yKIZkn @AERQ_ #PaxEx #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

“We know that we’re going to have to develop and deploy other types of fuels to decarbonize the aviation sector, and that those fuels are going to be hydrogen-rich."

Jonathan Lewis, Clean Air Task Force director of transportation decarbonisation
Read the article

The next newsletter will be out on Monday.

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.