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February 17, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Air Transat Takeover Deal Hits Turbulence

A deadline known as the “outside date” for Air Canada (AC) to wrap up its takeover of Air Transat has come and gone, with AC indicating it has no intention of securing an extension. While the deal is still in effect, both parties are now entitled to walk away at any time, prompting speculation over who else may be interested in owning Air Transat. Analysts mentioned that if Onex, WestJet’s parent company, were to make a bid, the deal would face less antitrust scrutiny. Québec billionaire Pierre Karl Péladeau also reiterated his interest in owning Transat and matched Air Canada’s offer in an unsolicited bid on December 22.

BNN Bloomberg | Related Péladeau reiterates his offer for Transat after Ottawa OKs Air Canada deal – Montreal Gazette

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Recaro Expands Seating Deal with Airbus

Since 2016, Recaro Aircraft Seating has been equipping Airbus A320 family aircraft with predefined, pre-certified economy-class seats from its SWIFT line. Yesterday, the seat provider announced it has extended that agreement, and will provide Airbus with access to additional seat models and a range of optional features like comfort packages, in-seat power solutions and tablet holders. The SWIFT catalog has proven popular in the post-pandemic environment thanks to its last-minute flexibility, according to Recaro. Its lightest seat, the SL3710, is slated to join the Airbus catalog soon.

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Axinom CEO: Onboard Systems Need to be Digitalized and Standardized

Axinom’s CEO, Ralph Wagner, believes the digitalization of onboard systems will bring with it much-needed change, allowing airlines to benefit from IoT systems, air-to-ground collaborations, new forms of ancillary revenue generation and more. But for airlines to reap the maximum rewards, Wagner said the industry should embrace open standards, as this will enable the deployment of off-the-shelf hardware, reducing initial install time, ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs. “Those who can decrease barriers to entry through reduced certification requirements and lower fixed costs will stand out from the crowd.”

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BOS Adds Online Ordering Platform, Test Clinic, PPE Vending Machines

MarketPlace Logan, the concessions manager for Boston Logan International Airport, has launched a new touchless delivery platform travelers can use to pick up food and retail items at the terminal or gate of their choosing. The website, called BOS2GO, is powered by Grab and AtYourGate. MarketPlace Logan has also introduced another XpresCheck COVID-19 testing site in Terminal C and Hudson PPE vending machines in terminals A and B. The machines are now stocking coronavirus self-testing kits developed and manufactured by DiaCarta.

moodie davitt report | Related SkySquad, AtYourGate Match-Up Offers Increased Airport Assistance – APEX Media

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Aeroplay’s Mumbai Lab Joins Trusted Partner Network

AeroLab, Aeroplay Entertainment’s lab facility in Mumbai, is now a member of the Trusted Partner Network (TPN), a global directory of vendors verified to conform with the Motion Picture Association’s content security best practices. AeroLab made changes to its policies, infrastructure and security system to obtain the TPN certification. The facility offers services such as digital asset management, audio-video editing, mastering, encoding for in-flight entertainment systems and more. Aeroplay Entertainment’s CEO, Prakash Johari, said that the certification should entice major Hollywood studios to work with the lab.

Runway Girl Network | Related Air India appoints Aeroplay Entertainment as its new In-Flight Entertainment Content Service Provider – Aeroplay Media

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Uganda Airlines’ New A330 Outfitted With Geven Seats

Geven’s Piuma AQ economy-class and Comoda AQ premium economy-class seats are featured in Uganda Airlines’ first Airbus A330-800neo aircraft. The lightweight orange and bronze economy-class seats feature 10.1-inch IFE seatback screens, in-arm tables, power supply, coat hooks and seatback pockets. In premium economy, the screens are over one-inch larger and the seats come with cupholders. “Grateful for Uganda Airlines’ trust, we look forward to continuing and strengthening our collaboration in the future,” said Alberto Veneruso, Geven’s managing director.

aviation business news | Related Geven and PriestmanGoode partner up to design next-generation aircraft seats – aviation business news

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Air Caraïbes, French Bee Test ICC AOKpass

France-based carriers Air Caraïbes and French Bee are testing the blockchain-based digital health certificate developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), ICC AOKpass. Passengers departing from Paris Orly to the French Overseas Territories can use the ICC AOKpass app to verify their COVID-19 test results from the beginning of March. Under current regulations, travelers arriving in French Overseas Territories, are required to take a test for PCR test 72 hours prior to departure. The ICC AOKpass is also being piloted by Etihad Airways on flights from Paris and Pakistan to Abu Dhabi.

businesswire | Related Etihad to pilot digital health pass on Paris route – Business Traveller

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Illustrator Óscar Matamora's work on Somebody's Nonna, written by Amanda Castleman, is bellissimo.

This week, we’re featuring some of our favorite illustrations from #APEXExperienceMag travelogues.

> Tweet of the Day

Did you hear us on @BBCSurrey this morning? We can announce that our continued efforts in donating food to local and global causes has surpassed 1.3 million food donations. #ahelpinghand #charity #endfoodwaste #endfoodpoverty

Monty's Bakehouse @MontysBakehouse

Association News

Virtual Expo: What's New for 2021?

We learned a great deal from last year's FTE APEX Virtual Expo, and we're proud to announce new initiatives this year that will take the virtual event to new heights. Look for enhanced connections thanks to a powerful new meeting system, VIP Buyer Program, and new networking capabilities. Premium pass holders will also be informed of which attendees are on the platform at any given time, and will receive tools to connect participants at those moments. Learn more about these and other exciting features that will be introduced.

> Quote of the Day

“Many people have not traveled in over a year and we want to help make their re-entry into the travel world easier than ever.”

Julie Melnick, SkySquad
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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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