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February 12, 2021

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Today's Top Stories
 

 
 
 

European Aviation Industry Releases Sustainability Roadmap

Europe’s airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and air navigation service providers have published a report called Destination 2050 – A Route to Net Zero European Aviation, which presents a roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions on flights in the region by 2050. Reaching that goal will involve the use of improved aircraft and engine technologies, sustainable aviation fuels, economic measures and improved air traffic management. “The achievement of the goals of this roadmap is possible provided that the EU and national governments play their part through increased public funding for civil aviation research and technology,” said Vincent De Vroey, director, Civil Aviation at ASD Europe.

Airport Business | Related Destination 2050

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Air Canada Purchase of Air Transat Approved by Government

The Canadian government will allow Air Transat to be owned by Air Canada because it believes the deal will bring stability to an industry rattled by COVID-19. Nonetheless, it imposed conditions designed to support competition, connectivity and job protection. Air Transat’s head office must remain in Quebec, aircraft maintenance contracts must remain in Canada, and other airlines shall be encouraged to take up former Air Transat routes to Europe. WestJet’s president Ed Sims and Flair Airlines’ president and CEO Stephen Jones said the deal will hurt domestic competition, while Sunwing CEO Stephen Hunter noted that the takeover could help defend against international carriers taking market share away from Canadian airlines.

CBC | Related Air Canada posts 'bleak' results as Transat deal comes through – BNN Bloomberg

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All SIA Crew Now Vaccinated, BA Expands VeriFLY Pilot Program

Following Etihad’s announcement on Wednesday, Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group­, which is made up of SIA, SilkAir and Scoot, has said all its flights are now being operated with vaccinated pilots and crew. It revealed over 90% of cabin crew and pilots have signed up for the vaccine to date. Elsewhere, the rollout of digital health passports continues. Following a tightening of travel restrictions in the UK, British Airways (BA) has expanded its pilot program for the VeriFLY app across all international flights coming into the country. The carrier began testing VeriFLY on flights between London and the US earlier this month.  

Washington Post | Related BA expands VeriFLY across international flights into UK – ADS Advance

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Aeromexico Earns Platinum Health Safety Certification

After completing the APEX Health Safety audit powered by SimpliFlying, Aeromexico achieved Platinum-level certification, the highest of any Latin American airline thus far. “Aeromexico’s above-and-beyond efforts to protect their customers have excelled far beyond the gold standard of airline health safety,” said APEX/IFSA CEO, Dr. Joe Leader. The airline employs sanitary measures created by epidemiologists. SimpliFlying’s CEO Shashank Nigam praised the airline for delivering individually packed antibacterial hand gel to passengers, constantly sanitizing its equipment and displaying videos on hygiene measures.

Aeromexico | Related APEX Health Safety Powered by SimpliFlying Sets New Gold Standard for Air Travel – APEX Media

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Air Namibia Enters Voluntary Liquidation

After 75 years, Air Namibia has been placed into voluntary liquidation. The carrier took to social media on February 11 to confirm its reservations system had been suspended and advised passengers to register claims for refunds. It has failed to produce financial statements in recent years despite regular state bailouts over the past two decades. In a press conference, Namibia’s Finance Minister, Iipumbu Shiimi, said, “The country’s economy can no longer afford to perpetually provide financial support to Air Namibia at the expense of supporting economic growth and critical social services.” However, the government will pay Air Namibia’s 600+ employees the value of one year’s salary over the next 12 months.

Reuters | Related LAN Argentina Ceases Operations After 15 Years – Simple Flying

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Qatar Airways Rings in Lunar New Year With Special Menu

Passengers on Qatar Airways flights to Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore today will be treated to Lunar New Year festivities onboard, including a special menu. À la carte options in business class include Cantonese-style pineapple smoked salmon, stir-fried handmade noodles with lobster and pan-seared duck. Passengers travelling in economy class can enjoy stir-fried prawn noodles with spring onions and crispy youtiao or sweet and sour chicken stir-fried pineapple rice as a main dish. Festive desserts, tray mats, napkin bands and traditional red envelopes will also make an appearance.

Qatar Airways | Related Happy Chinese New Year, Qatar Airways style – TheDesignAir

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New Aircraft Seats Designed by Geven, PriestmanGoode to Debut at AIX

Investments in R&D have led Italian aircraft interiors supplier Geven to overhaul its product catalogue. It partnered with PriestmanGoode to further refine its next-generation seats, which the companies say will enhance passenger experience, be easily configurable for different aircraft platforms and allow airlines to customise them as required. “The designs we’re working on build upon the brand’s strong history, as well as Italy’s outstanding heritage of exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design,” said Daniel MacInnes, design director, PriestmanGoode. The renderings will be unveiled at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg this fall.

Aviation Business News | Related [PHOTOS] Gesture Control, Thermochromic Ink & More in PriestmanGoode’s Latest Cabin Concept – APEX Media

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

 
 

"When I learned that the Cathay Pacific Vancouver—New York route was to be discontinued, I decided to cash in that once-in-a-lifetime experience for a proper farewell."

This week, we’re featuring #AvGeekTreasures from Tiezheng Bu, a frequent flyer who documents his travels on YouTube under the name "Vicarious Voyager."
 
 

> Tweet of the Day

And here comes the Chinese New Year! Today is the year of the Ox, the symbol of hard work and diligence. May you reach higher, accomplish more, and have a happy new year!

Xiamen Airlines @XiamenAirlines

 
 
 

Association News

Digital Health Passport Symposium to Take Place at 2021 Virtual Expo

Digital health passports could play a crucial role in the future, not just unlocking international travel, but also helping return people back to offices, concerts, sports events, restaurants and universities. However, there are big challenges around standards, interoperability and privacy. We will bring together the first movers and shakers in this space to share the big lessons learned so far, and their final recommendations to the industry ahead of a major summer roll-out. Learn more about this and other new conference features for 2021.

 
 
 
 

> Quote of the Day

“Airlines throw away 15% of their food, so if you can get more food pre-ordered, preselected and prepaid, that’s very important."

Kian Gould, Omnevo
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Until next week

 
 

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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