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February 26, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Ryanair Warns Of 10% Fare Rise As New Boeing Planes Delayed

CEO Michael O'Leary believes delayed Boeing 737 Max 8200 deliveries will limit passenger capacity, potentially raising ticket prices by up to 10% this summer. Although Ryanair seeks compensation, the priority is receiving the aircraft, with only 40-45 of the expected 57 planes likely to arrive by the summer season. This comes amid Boeing facing increased scrutiny and production slowdowns due to quality control issues. Despite these challenges, Ryanair aims to mitigate fare increases through fuel hedging.

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Ethiopian Airlines Boss Calls For African Aviation Deregulation

The CEO of Ethiopian Airlines urges full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market, launched in 2018 but hindered by national interests, to enhance competition and lower travel costs amidst growing demand. Current bilateral agreements limit expansion. The continent, home to 18% of the global population, represents just 2% of air traffic. Liberalization could spur rapid development, with Boeing forecasting intra-African passenger traffic could quadruple in 20 years.

Financial Times | Related Africa’s domestic air traffic to quadruple in 20 years, says Boeing - Airport Technology

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Etihad Guest Announces Major Changes

Etihad Guest is introducing changes to its loyalty program in 2024, including reduced economy and business-class award redemptions on selected routes, starting from 5,000 and 15,000 miles, respectively. Notably, miles can now be used to upgrade to the A380 Residence on specific routes. However, miles will expire after 18 months without flight activity, and cancellation penalties have become stricter, with up to a 75% mileage penalty for late cancellations. Elite status will now solely rely on Tier Miles, with enhanced perk choices for elite members.

The Points Guy | Related Big changes coming to Etihad Guest frequent flyer - Executive Traveller

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Air India Transforms 777-200LR IFE With New GUI, Content And Map

Air India is set to refurbish its Boeing widebody cabins starting mid-year, integrating Thales' AVANT Up IFE system featuring 4K Optiq QLED smart displays across 40 older 777s and 787-8s, as well as in 11 new Airbus A350 and Boeing 787s from 2025. Meanwhile, new A350s and leased ex-Delta 777-200LRs are equipped with Panasonic's eX3 and a refreshed GUI, including the innovative Arc 3D moving map. The enhanced IFE experience, highlighting Air India's new branding, offers immersive features like street-level views, landmark information, and a pilot HUD view, significantly elevating passenger engagement and satisfaction.

Runway Girl Network | Related Thales' new QLED-based IFE system wows, needs content to match - Runway Girl Network

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Qantas Replaced 3 Flights With An A380 To Cope With The Taylor Swift Travel Rush

To meet the surge in air travel demand during Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, Qantas repurposed an Airbus A380 for a short 540-mile flight from Melbourne to Sydney, typically reserved for long-haul routes. This unique decision combined passengers from three separate Boeing 737 flights, countering potential disruptions from a severe storm and ensuring fans reached the concert amidst high demand. The flight, a rare domestic appearance for the A380, underscored the tour's significant impact on local economies and travel patterns.

Business Insider | Related Taylor Swift fans' Sydney ticket rush pushes Western Australia cricket team to indirect flights - Hindustan Times

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Schiphol Opens Two Non-Schengen Lounges

The oneworld alliance and Swissport have introduced two new lounges at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, enhancing the travel experience for passengers heading to non-Schengen destinations. The oneworld Lounge, managed day-to-day by Swissport's Aspire Executive Lounges, offers a modern 473m2 space with Amsterdam-inspired design elements, including canal-inspired lighting. Alongside, the newly upgraded Aspire Lounge, open to all travelers, shares facilities with the oneworld Lounge, providing fresh meals from a common kitchen and featuring Dutch-themed decor.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Oneworld Opens Second Branded Lounge At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - LoyaltyLobby

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JFK's New Terminal One Eyes An All-Electric Ground Equipment Fleet

The New Terminal One at JFK Airport is seeking bids for an all-electric ground service equipment fleet, aiming for deployment by its 2026 opening. This initiative, part of a net-zero strategy, aligns with the Port Authority's goal for zero emissions by 2050. The request for proposals, issued in February 2024, covers a five-year contract with options to extend, totaling nine years. Essential equipment includes power units, conveyors, carts, tugs, and steps, supporting efficient, eco-friendly airport operations.

Simple Flying | Related JFK issues RFP for electric ground vehicles for New Terminal One - Passenger Terminal Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @palmjet, showing a KLM Cityhopper Fokker 50 at Schiphol Airport.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Great idea for an LCC explaining to pax on laminated cards why there is no free catering on board and some #avgeek basics. Never seen this before, an innovation by @FlySafair #PaxEx

Andreas Spaeth @SpaethFlies

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

"Boeing itself has said there are going to be 9,000 fewer seats this summer available because of the delays at the company. Ryanair is a low-cost carrier and so its hikes of 10% are a little bit higher than the average at 3-7% but it is because it is coming from a low base."

Lucy Coutts, investment director at JM Finn
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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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