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February 19, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Singapore Unveils SAF Targets In Sustainability Blueprint

Starting 2026, Singapore will mandate the inclusion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for all flights leaving the country, aligning with a new sustainability strategy unveiled ahead of the Singapore Airshow. Singapore's Transport Minister announced the initiative, aiming for 20% reduction in domestic aviation emissions from airport activities by 2030, and achieving net-zero for both domestic and international flights by 2050. Initially, flights will require 1% SAF, increasing to 3-5% by 2030. To support the transition, a SAF levy will be offered to promote purchasing and price stability.

Airport Technology | Related Singapore to require departing flights to use sustainable fuel from 2026 – Reuters

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Strike Action To Ground 90% Of Lufthansa Flights On Tuesday

Lufthansa faces significant disruptions due to a 35-hour warning strike called by the Verdi trade union for ground staff, affecting Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Lufthansa Technik, and Lufthansa Cargo. Starting at 2000 CET on February 19th and ending at 0710 on February 21st, the strike will severely limit operations, with Lufthansa expecting to maintain only 10 to 20% of its flight schedule on February 20th. Passengers impacted by cancellations will be notified via email or the Lufthansa app, and are advised not to head to the airport unless their flight is confirmed operational.

Business Traveller | Related Lufthansa ground staff strike announced, to last 27 hours – DW

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US Announces US$970 Million Airport Funding

The FAA is distributing $970 million from President Biden's Investing in America agenda to 114 airports in 44 states and three territories, addressing the increasing demand for air travel and improving passenger experience. This funding will support projects aimed at enhancing baggage systems, expanding security checkpoints, increasing gate capacity, and modernizing outdated infrastructure. Additionally, these projects will create jobs, boost terminal sustainability, and enhance accessibility for people with disabilities, with many grants focusing on new or expanded terminal facilities.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related US awards nearly $1 billion for airports in latest funding round – Reuters

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Air India Chooses Thales' AVANT Up IFE Solution

Air India has chosen Thales' AVANT Up as its inflight entertainment (IFE) solution, aiming to enhance passenger experience across its fleet. Thales will retrofit Air India's existing 40 Boeing 777s and 787s with AVANT Up starting in 2024, extending into 2025. Additionally, Thales will equip 11 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft, set for delivery in 2025, with the system. AVANT Up features include Optiq 4K QLED HDR displays, offering unparalleled picture quality, dual Bluetooth connections, built-in Wi-Fi, and high-speed charging ports for USB-A and USB-C.

Financial Express | Related Air India selects Thales' AVANT Up In-Flight Entertainment to Elevate Experience for its Passengers – Thales

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Air Canada To Launch New Lounges In Montreal, Vancouver

Air Canada is set to expand its cafe-style lounge concept with new openings in Montreal and Vancouver, building on the success of the original Air Canada Cafe at Toronto Pearson airport. These lounges cater to passengers with shorter pre-flight times, offering a quick service alternative to the more traditional Maple Leaf Lounges. The Montreal cafe is slated for later this year, featuring barista services, cold brews, and light meals for in-lounge consumption or take-away. Vancouver's version, expected in 2025, will introduce a modern cafe-coworking space design, evolving the concept further.

Executive Traveller | Related Swissport and Air Canada open lounge at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport – Passenger Terminal Today

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Frankfurt Airport Modernizes Ground Power Supply To Become Exclusively Electric

Fraport is phasing out diesel ground power units (GPUs) for parked aircraft by 2040, aligning with its strategy to operate carbon-free by 2045 globally. Due to infrastructure limitations, not all 255 aircraft positions will get stationary 400 Hz connections; instead, battery-powered GPUs will be utilized. Supported by a €215,000 grant from the German Ministry for Digital and Transport, Fraport will implement a battery-powered e-GPU and charging infrastructure at a terminal C position, with total investments reaching €307,000.

Future Travel Experience | Related Frankfurt Airport modernizes ground power units – Passenger Terminal Today

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Air Canada Ordered To Pay Customer Who Was Misled By Airline's Chatbot

Air Canada has been ordered to compensate a customer after its chatbot provided incorrect information, leading him to purchase a full-price ticket under the belief he could obtain a bereavement fare refund after travel. This case, a first in Canada, highlights issues with automated service oversight. Jake Moffatt sued Air Canada when denied a refund for bereavement rates post-travel, despite chatbot advice. Air Canada attempted to deflect blame onto the chatbot, later conceding to update it following Moffatt's lawsuit.

The Guardian | Related Air Canada must honor refund policy invented by airline's chatbot – Ars Technica

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @aviation_by_max, showing an Icelandair Boeing 757-200 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

You don't want to miss the opening keynote on day two of #APEXTECH. Join us for "Integrating the Future: Qatar Airways’ Pioneering Cabin Experience" for an insightful interview with Xia Cai, @qatarairways . Register ➡️ http://bit.ly/3yKIZkn #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

"The measures were developed after careful study and close consultation with domestic and international stakeholders, and we hope that they will help to catalyse the development of sustainable aviation in the region and around the world."

Singapore's Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat
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The next newsletter will be out 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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