Apex Daily Experience

No Images? Open in Browser

March 1, 2024

Go to APEX.AERO

Today's Top Stories

APEX TECH: How Qatar Airways is Establishing the Role of Technology in Hospitality

At APEX TECH, Qatar Airways’ Xia Cai talked about the carrier’s quest to enhance the passenger experience by finding the right balance between new technology and traditional hospitality. She detailed the plans for its new in-house “Seamless Digital Management Platform,” which provides real-time updates to flight crews’ iPhones; talked about the most exciting aspects of Panasonic's Astrova IFE system, which is being installed on Qatar’s incoming Boeing 777X fleet; and noted the importance of the airline’s collaboration with Hamad International Airport and Discover Qatar.

APEX Insights | Related The Imperative Convergence Between Loyalty & IFEC, According to Delta’s Ekrem Dimbiloglu – APEX Insights

SHARE

Southwest Airlines Launches SAF Venture Arm, Invests $30M in LanzaJet

Southwest Airlines Co. has initiated the Southwest Airlines Renewable Ventures (SARV) to enhance its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) procurement, with a $30 million investment in LanzaJet Inc., a leader in SAF technology. LanzaJet's ethanol-to-SAF technology and commercial plant, the world’s first of its nature, aims to produce 10 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel annually. This venture aligns with Southwest's ambition to substitute 10% of its jet fuel with SAF by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. SARV will manage SAF investments and partnerships to escalate availability and affordability

Dallas Innovates | Related

Southwest Invests In Ethanol-To-SAF, Forms New Subsidiary - Aviation Week

SHARE

APEX TECH 2024: Day One IFC Panel Sessions, in Brief

The first day of APEX TECH saw panellists discuss the relationship between LEO and GEO in-flight connectivity and the best way for airlines to use these technologies in future, what is needed to advance the commercialization of cutting-edge in-flight connectivity technology, and what use cases to generate ancillary revenue and improve the passenger experiences can be most improved by the incorporation of IFC. Visit apex.aero for more coverage of APEX TECH at LAX.

APEX Insights | Related APEX TECH Panel Preview: Edge Caching in the Content Delivery Supply Chain – APEX Insights

SHARE

US DOT Announces Rule to Enhance the Travel Experience of Passengers with Wheelchairs

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced a proposed rule to enhance the travel experience for airline passengers who use wheelchairs, marking the most significant expansion of rights since 2008. This rule mandates airlines to adhere to strict safety standards and accommodate passengers with disabilities, including improved staff training, specific actions for when wheelchairs are damaged, and making wheelchair mishandling an automatic violation of the Air Carrier Access Act. The proposal also includes provisions for the prompt return of delayed wheelchairs enhanced on-board wheelchair standards, and seeks feedback on lavatory size standards and fare reimbursements for affected passengers.

US Department of Transportation | Related The Transportation Department proposes new rules for how airlines handle wheelchairs - NPR

SHARE

Schiphol, ADR, IndiGo and GMR on the power of collaborative innovation to enhance CX

In part 1 of its focus on collaborative innovation, Future Travel Experience (FTE) shared exclusive insights into a new “coalition of the willing” being launched by Schiphol, in partnership with FTE, to accelerate baggage innovation. FTE also explored how Aeroporti di Roma is collaborating with startups to shape the next generation of airports and dived into an important new strategic collaboration between IndiGo and GMR Hyderabad Airport that will accelerate digital transformation, drive technological innovation, and enhance CX.

Future Travel Experience | Related FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub - Future Travel Experience

SHARE

Boeing agrees to pay $51m over export violations in China and other countries

Boeing has agreed to a $51 million settlement with the U.S. State Department over multiple export violations, including instances where Chinese employees improperly downloaded documents related to U.S. Pentagon programs. The violations, which occurred from 2013 to 2018, involved unauthorized downloads of technical data about various military equipment in China and 18 other countries. The settlement, addressing 199 violations of the Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations, includes a three-year consent agreement and emphasizes the importance of proper authorization for exporting defence articles. Boeing committed to enhancing its compliance program and will engage an external special compliance officer to oversee the agreement.

Guardian | Related

Boeing: DoJ begins investigation as FAA gives 90-day deadline for safety plan - Guardian

SHARE

British Airways celebrates its London-Austin route…. in a rather different way

British Airways has partnered with Franklin Barbecue to create a special BA-B-Q sauce to celebrate ten years of the London Heathrow to Austin, Texas route. During March, Club World customers flying from Austin to London will receive limited edition bottles of this sauce. Additionally, passengers will enjoy a Texas-inspired barbecue menu onboard, featuring dishes like smoked beef brisket and smoky chicken barbecue, designed by British Airways' Executive Chef Mark Brega in collaboration with pitmaster Aaron Franklin. This initiative aims to celebrate the route's anniversary by bringing the taste of Austin's famous barbecue culture to the skies, offering a unique culinary experience that honours the connection between these two cities.

Economy Class and Beyond | Related

British Airways Giving Away Franklin’s BA-B-Q Sauce To Business Class Passengers Out Of Austin - View from the Wing

SHARE

> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @jsm.aviation, showing a Loganair ATR72 on approach in Glasgow, Scotland. Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

#APEXTECH — full of exploration, unique perspectives & strategizing for the future — has concluded ✈️ Visit our website for ways to engage with APEX year-round: http://apex.aero Catch us in Lisbon for #APEXContentMarket, March 27-28: http://contentmarket.apex.aero

APEX @theAPEXassoc

Association News

Shop the Online APEX Merchandise Store

Surprise 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 Shopping today!

APEX Content Market | 26-27 March 2024 | Lisbon

APEX Content Market provides an intimate and productive setting for all airline content needs, including the best in TV, movies, games, GUIs, apps and audio! As the only global industry event focused on connecting in-flight entertainment content buyers with worldwide content distributors, APEX Content Market is your chance to browse the dynamic show floor to get ahead on planning your in-flight content for the upcoming year. Registration is now open!

> Quote of the Day

“We’re a big airline now with 250+ aircraft, so delivering consistency is important while still maintaining our DNA”

SVP Product Development and Design at Qatar Airways Xia Cai.
Read the article

The next newsletter will be out on Monday

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.

Connect with APEX

You have received this email because you are subscribed to this newsletter from apex.aero.

Change email frequency | Unsubscribe