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February 9, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Starlink makes its airline debut on Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines has introduced complimentary Wi-Fi via SpaceX’s Starlink on commercial flights, marking a first for major U.S. airlines. CEO Peter Ingram praised SpaceX's technology for providing high-quality, global connectivity. This move aligns with the industry trend towards free high-speed internet, following initiatives by JetBlue and Delta. With an extensive Pacific Ocean network, Hawaiian aims to use connectivity to enhance the passenger experience. Hawaiian signed the agreement in 2022 to install Starlink terminals on Airbus A321s and A330s.

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APEX Shares Obituary of Respected Industry Journalist, Tomás Romero

Having obtained a small collection of images and quotes from those who worked with him throughout his time as a freelance writer for APEX Media, APEX is now sharing the full obituary of long-time contributor Tomás Romero with permission from his brother. “Tomás Romero was not just a valued contributor to APEX; he was a beacon of creativity, enthusiasm, and excellence. His work with us over the years was marked by an infectious spirit and a deep understanding of the in-flight community, which he served with unwavering dedication,” commented APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader.

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IAG and DFW are latest Corporate Partners to join FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub

International Airlines Group (member airlines: BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL) and DFW Airport are the latest Corporate Partners to join the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub. Welcoming IAG – one of the world’s leading airline groups, and DFW – one of the world’s busiest super-hub airports, highlights the strength of the broadening membership. In this article, they share their objectives as Corporate Partners of the FTE Hub as they engage with a diverse network of industry innovators.

Future Travel Experience | Related FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub

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Emirates becomes Global Airline Partner of the NBA

Emirates has entered a multiyear global marketing partnership with the NBA, becoming its Official Global Airline Partner. This collaboration includes Emirates as the inaugural title partner of the NBA Cup and the NBA's first-ever referee jersey patch partner. The airline will feature prominently in NBA events, including the NBA Finals Legacy Project and NBA Global Games. Fans can expect NBA content on Emirates flights and can purchase official NBA merchandise through the Emirates Store. This airline says this partnership underscores Emirates' commitment to engaging with a global fanbase and enhancing the passenger experience.

Airways | Related

Emirates Named Global Airline Partner of the NBA and Title Partner of the Emirates NBA Cup - Emirates

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BA drops Tel Aviv to short haul (A320) with reduced tier points

British Airways is significantly changing its Tel Aviv service, downgrading it from a long-haul to a short-haul route. A320 aircraft instead of Boeing 787s will now operate flights, and starting from 2025, they will only earn short-haul tier points in the British Airways Executive Club. Additionally, flights will stop in Larnaca, Cyprus, for a crew change, adding 45 minutes to the journey while the aircraft waits on the ground. These alterations could benefit Virgin Atlantic, which plans to resume flights to Tel Aviv with long-haul aircraft.

Head for Points | Related

British Airways returns to Tel Aviv – with a downgraded service - Independent

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'Humiliating': Fliers lash out at Finnair after airline starts weighing passengers

Finnair's decision to weigh passengers voluntarily before flights has sparked outrage among travellers, with many expressing concerns about privacy and body shaming. Despite the airline's assurance that the weighing system is optional and aimed at ensuring aircraft safety, critics argue it could be distressing and triggering for individuals, particularly those with eating disorders. Media reports say that the controversy highlights the delicate balance between safety measures and passenger comfort, with some travellers considering alternative airlines to avoid potential embarrassment.

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Air Astana VP Inflight Services discusses key CX initiatives

Air Astana is committed to “creating exceptional inflight experiences” and recently received a five-star rating in the major airline category from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) – the ninth time the airline has received an APEX award. In this interview, Yelena Obukhova, Vice-President Inflight Services, shares insights into Air Astana’s focus on personalisation, inflight entertainment, sustainability and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality as it makes “the customer journey more seamless and hassle-free”.

Future Travel Experience | Related

IPO values Air Astana at $847m - Travel Weekly

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @lhr_mark, showing an Air Baltic A220, touching down in Malaga. Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

This year, we're proud to have more airlines represented at #APEXTECH than ever before — meaning more passenger-focused context to join the conversation & derive insights. Join us, 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

“SpaceX has really cracked the code – literally, in terms of the technology – to be able to deliver a wide bandwidth of very high quality connectivity to an airplane with a global reach."

Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines CEO
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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.

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