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February 23, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Qantas Reveals A350's New Suites For Project Sunrise

Qantas has unveiled prototypes of the First and Business cabins of Airbus A350 fleet for Project Sunrise on ultra-long-haul flights from Australia to New York and London. The First suites have a separate reclining lounge chair placed next to an extra-wide two-meter fixed bed. The six First suites, configured in a 1-1-1 setting, also feature personal wardrobe, dining table for two, a 32” UHD TV with Bluetooth connectivity, and the privacy of a sliding door. The 52 Business suites are in a 1-2-1 configuration, and feature a two-meter flatbed, storage, cushioned leather ottoman, an 18” UHD touch screen, and a large dining table.

Simple Flying | Related Qantas unveils A350 business and first class seating prototypes – Business Traveller

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ANA And Four Others Picked To Fly Taxis For 2025 World Expo

ANA Holdings Inc, Japan Airlines, SkyDrive Inc. and trading firm Marubeni Corp are amongst the companies selected to operate air taxi services during the 2025 World Exposition to be held in Osaka in western Japan. Each flying car will carry two to five people and will connect the three areas of the exposition venue in Yumeshima, central Osaka city and Kansai International Airport. ANA will operate a five-seater vertical takeoff and landing aircraft developed by Joby Aviation, JAL will operate two-rider aircraft developed by Volocopter GmbH, while Marubeni will operate five-seater created by Vertical Aerospace Group.

The Mainichi | Related ANA Will Operate Air Taxis To The 2025 Osaka World Expo - Simple Flying

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LOT Apologizes To Violinist After Denying Permission

Polish carrier LOT has apologized to a violinist Janusz Wawrowski after denying him permission to take his 338-year-old, $5 million Stradivarius violin onto one of its aircraft as hand luggage. Mr Wawrowski said that LOT has since acknowledged the employee's mistake, stating that it is allowing violins on board all of its planes and also issued an apology in the media, by letter, on email, and by phone. He has received a refund for the additional costs, as well as a refund for the ticket. The airline has promised to standardize information on its website regarding musical instruments and issue information to all its employees on musical instrument policy.

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Changi Airport To Begin First Auto-Dolly Unit Load Device Tests

Singapore Changi says it will become the world’s first airport to test the autonomous loading and unloading of a unit load device (ULD) at the aircraft stand. Following the successful first road tests of its autonomous baggage dollies, the airport has entered the second phase which will see its Auto-Dolly move to the aircraft apron and commence self-unloading tests of ULDs. Changi says that the Auto-Dolly has a small footprint and tight turning radius, allowing it to maneuver itself precisely next to the Skyloader equipment that loads and unloads ULDs to the aircraft.

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Japanese Airlines Stop Requiring Masks On Board From March 13

Japanese airlines will no longer require passengers to wear face masks on flights, starting March 13. The Airline Association of Japan, which has 19 members including ANA and JAL, announced Tuesday that it will leave it up to individual passengers whether to wear masks on board planes and at airports. The decision follows the government's downgrading of COVID-19 under the Infectious Disease Control Law. The policy will also apply to passengers and airline employees.

Nikkei Asia | Related Japan Will Finally Scrap Aircraft Mask Rules On March 13th - Simple Flying

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Leidos To Upgrade TSA’s Security Screening Software

The Transportation Security Administration has contracted Leidos to upgrade the software of its full-body scanner technology at US airports. The upgrade will target more than 1,000 Pro:Vision Advanced Imaging Technology systems used at airport security checkpoints and will deploy an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to help strengthen airport security with an improved threat detection methodology that is expected to reduce false alarms. The software update is projected to take several months.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Leidos to Upgrade Passenger Screening Systems to Reduce False Alarms - HS Today

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OneWeb Postpones Inflight Connectivity Service Launch To Early 2024

OneWeb has pushed back the planned start date for its Ku-band Low Earth Orbit satellite-based inflight connectivity service to early 2024. The UK-based company had planned to introduce its commercial aero service later this year, but its satellite launch schedule was interrupted following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. After launches were suspended from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, OneWeb made alternative plans through agreements with SpaceX and NewSpace India Limited. As of 10 January, 80% of OneWeb’s 648-strong constellation of LEO satellites had entered orbit.

Runway Girl Network | Related Seamless Air Alliance and GSMA Announce a New Collaboration to Bring Roaming to the World’s Airlines - Business Wire

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @deltajulietphoto, showing a TUI Airlines Boeing 767 arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

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

> Tweet of the Day

. @Qantas has revealed info for First and Business on its @Airbus A350s coming in "late 2025." The A350s that'll fly all the way to NYC. 238 passengers, so it'll be quite low density. Finally some international WI-Fi on Qantas, free even! Bluetooth IFE as well. #PaxEx

AirlineFlyer @AirlineFlyer

Association News

APEX TECH 2023 – Early Bird Rates Extended to 28 February!

New innovations and the future of connectivity, how are you prepared and what's your organization doing to orchestrate “the next?” Join us at 2023 APEX TECH, 21 March – 23 March in Los Angeles, CA, and learn from and network with airlines and service providers. Early bird registration rates are available through 28 February. Don’t let the early bird rates fly by! Register now.

> Quote of the Day

“We began designing this aircraft cabin five years ago, working with Airbus and Qantas to maximize space, as well as creating a tailored lighting program that will influence mood and sleep patterns. Every element has been created for Qantas, from the reading light right down to the fabrics, to ensure that passengers spend their journey in refined comfort.”

David Caon, Australian designer
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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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