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February 26, 2021

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Today's Top Stories
 

 
 
 

DOT Report Shows Less Flights, More Complaints in 2020

The 2020 Air Travel Consumer Report released by the US Department of Transportation revealed that the nation’s airlines operated 4.72-million flights, the lowest number on record, and down 40% from 2019 levels. Flight cancellation rates rose to 6% at the height of the pandemic’s first wave, but normalized later in the year. On-time performance improved by 5.3% and mishandled baggage rates improved by 30%. However, customer complaints soared by 500% as customers sought refunds. The agency noted that many passengers who had initially been denied refunds have now received them. "The Department will take enforcement action against non-compliant airlines and ticket agents as necessary.''

travel weekly | Related COVID travel flight refund complaints soared in 2020, DOT says – USA Today

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Air Moldova Leverages Radixx Retail Suite

Sabre subsidiary Radixx and Air Moldova have signed a multi-year technology agreement. Later this year, the airline will migrate to Radixx Res, a cloud-hosted passenger service system used to deliver ancillaries to customers. It will also leverage Radixx ezyCommerce, a retailing solution, and the Radixx Go departure services suite, which will allow ground agents and travelers to streamline their experience and reduce wait times. Alexander Ceban, general director, Air Moldova, said Radixx was chosen because of its robust and customizable APIs. “We are eager to see the positive impact on customers satisfaction and the cost savings derived from a high level of automation across sales and operations,” he added.

radixx | Related Sabre announces acquisition of Radixx – Sabre

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PIT Solidifies Reputation as Center of Innovation

The xBridge at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is a place where companies can collaborate and get creative. Three local firms have joined: Carnegie Robotics, RE2 and Zensors. As a result, the space is buzzing with new ideas poised to increase efficiency and safety. Expect xBridge to continue tapping into the rich pool of startups, tech firms and universities in Pittsburgh eager to churn out minimal viable products much sooner than a traditional product development model allows, “thereby realizing the value for passengers and our airline partners much sooner, as well,” said Katherine Karolick, SVP Information Technology at PIT.

APEX Media | Related Pittsburgh International Airport Partners With Honeywell To Test Air Quality Improvement Technology – Honeywell

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New Aircraft Seat Explores Use of Graphene

FoviaTech has created a Graphene-based Pressure Sensor SmartSeat known as Fovgrai, which replaces some of an aircraft seat’s foam with a non-flammable graphene membrane and sensors. Using artificial intelligence, the sensors can interpret a passenger’s “sitting behavior” and activate “nano airbags” to gently adjust their posture. Alternatively, the seat could also deliver a message via the seatback screen or a mobile app telling passengers to alter their position to avoid cramps. Tests have been conducted using a Safran business-class seat and the product is slated to launch at the end of this year.

runway girl network | Related FOVGRAI - The SmartSeat by Foviatech – YouTube

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Boeing Faces Fresh FAA Fines

Yesterday, the FAA claimed Boeing failed to meet the terms of two agreements that required the company to improve its safety and regulatory oversight, and fined the airframer $6.6 million. It alleged that certain Boeing staff doing certification tasks on the FAA’s behalf between 2017 and 2019 were not authorized to do so, and that Boeing failed to follow quality-control processes. In a statement, Boeing said it was strengthening its work processes and believes that previously-announced civil penalty actions are now fairly resolved.

cnbc | Related Boeing speeds up timeline for consolidating 787 production – Oregon Live

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Kenya Airways Launches Economy Max Seat Upgrade

Economy-class travelers flying with Kenya Airways are now able to purchase a space upgrade, which the airline calls Economy Max. From 48 hours before the trip, they can purchase seats adjacent to their own, providing them with more space for social distancing onboard. Travelers that are part of a group are largely exempt from purchasing the product, with the exception being that a party of two can block the remaining seat in their cluster when flying on a Boeing 737 or 787 aircraft.

simple flying | Related Kenya Airways receives $92 million from government – Reuters

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SWISS Brings Confiserie Sprüngli Snacks to Economy Class

From March 30, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will offer fresh food based on the recipes of internationally-renowned Swiss chocolate company Confiserie Sprüngli on flights to and from Zurich, and later Geneva. Muesli, salads, sandwiches and sweet pastries form part of the offer. Prices will range from $8 to $20. Most items will be wrapped in PaperWise carbon neutral packaging. The airline is also adding Ragusa, Kägi Fret, Zweifel chips and Caotina hot chocolate to its menu, as well as launching a new line of complimentary mineral water called SWISS Altitude 1150, a name inspired by the source spring’s elevation at 1,150 meters above sea level.

SWISS | Related Warm Up With Pataclette This Winter | SWISS Saveurs – Retail InMotion

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

 
 

Lucky Lady II was later badly damaged in an accident, and today only the fuselage is preserved. It is on display at the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California. Photo by Stefan Semerdjiev (2002).

This week, we're celebrating the first airplane to circle the world nonstop. The journey began on February 26, 1949 and took 94 hours to complete.
 
 

> Tweet of the Day

BREAKING: The 36-State governing body of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the ICAO Council, has appointed Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar of Colombia as the new Secretary General of the Organization for a three-year term, beginning 1 August 2021.

ICAO @icao

 
 
 

Association News

The Return of Tradeshows is a Positive Sign for APEX/IFSA EXPO

This week, IFSA Board Member Jon Harwood attended the Gulfood food and beverage innovation conference in Dubai. Thousands were in attendance across 20 tradeshow floors with over 2,500 exhibitors. The event demonstrated how large-scale trade events can successfully occur in a health safety-focused manner. With a tradeshow of thousands successfully opening in February, APEX looks forward to APEX/IFSA EXPO in the United States six months from now, in October.

 
 
 
 

> Quote of the Day

"History proves that creating a revolution in economy class takes more than just a single, radical idea."

Monica Wick, RedCabin
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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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