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March 7, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

UK Hikes Air Passenger Duty, Premium Cabins Hit Hardest

The UK's Air Passenger Duty (APD), a tax on commercial flights departing from Britain, will see significant hikes in April 2024 and 2025. Introduced in 1994, the APD is based on flight distance from London and travel class. From April 2025, premium economy, business, and first class passengers on flights over 5,500 miles will pay £224 as APD. APD is divided into 3 bands based on distance, with Band A covering flights up to 2,000 miles, Band B for 2,001-5,500 miles, and Band C for flights over 5,500 miles. The UK government cites high inflation as the reason for the hike.

Executive Traveller | Related UK Set To Raise ADP Tax For Non-Economy Passengers – Simple Flying

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flynas To Add Inflight Internet Services On Its Fleet

flynas, a Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier, has signed an agreement with stc (Saudi Telecom Company) and SkyFive Arabia to provide inflight internet services on its fleet. The service, expected to be active by the end of the year, will be delivered through small antennas installed on the aircraft's belly. SkyFive Arabia has previously collaborated with stc and Saudia to test the network between Riyadh and Jeddah. Under the new agreement, stc will expand the network across the country, while flynas will take the lead in deploying the services on its aircraft.

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Lufthansa A380s To Get New Business Class In 2025

Lufthansa has confirmed plans to introduce a new business class product on its Airbus A380s by summer 2025. The decision to install a different product than the upcoming Allegris cabins is due to delays in the rollout of the latter. Lufthansa's new business class and first class, part of the Allegris project, are expected to launch in May 2024 and fall 2024, respectively. The airline also plans to reconfigure other existing planes, such as the Boeing 747-8, with a mix of old and new business class products. Lufthansa's A380s have proven reliable for long-haul flights, with many passengers specifically booking them for comfort.

One Mile At A Time | Related New Lufthansa Allegris Business Class Launching May 2024 – One Mile at a Time

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Eutelsat OneWeb To Support Inflight Connectivity From September 2024

Eutelsat OneWeb plans to launch its inflight connectivity (IFC) service using its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Ku-band satellite network in September 2024. Several airlines and integrators have already signed up for multi-orbit IFC solutions combining Eutelsat OneWeb's LEO network with geostationary (GEO) satellites. Eutelsat Group, the only provider operating both LEO and GEO networks, sees this multi-orbit approach as a key differentiator, offering flexibility and benefits to airlines. The company focuses on operating satellites and lets integrators decide the best approach for various use cases. Next-generation dual-beam antennas supporting simultaneous GEO and LEO transmissions are in development.

Runway Girl Network | Related OneWeb-powered Galileo to be competitively priced to Starlink: Gogo – Runway Girl Network

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European Council & Parliament Agree To Increase Security With Changes To Use Of Air Passenger Data

The European Council and Parliament have provisionally agreed on two regulations governing the collection and use of air passenger data for border management and law enforcement. The new rules will improve the handling of advance passenger information (API) data for checks on passengers before they arrive at the EU's external borders and for intra-EU flights. API data will consist of a closed list of traveler information, and air carriers will be obliged to collect certain flight information. The regulations will allow law enforcement authorities to combine travelers' API data and passenger name record (PNR) data to identify high-risk travelers and confirm travel patterns of suspected people. A central router developed by an EU agency will streamline the transmission of API data.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Air passenger data: Council and European Parliament reach provisional agreement to increase security and enhance border management – EU Council

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SITA Invests In Identity Tech Provider Indicio

SITA is investing in Indicio to digitally transform identity checks and border control. The companies have worked together to attach travel documents to a traveler's digital identity, allowing them to share required data before flying and essentially "cross the border" before their journey. This simplifies the identification process and enables the air transport industry to embrace seamless travel and the digital economy. SITA is the lead investor in Indicio's Series A funding round.

Business Travel News | Related SITA leads investment in traveller digital identity tech firm – TravelMole

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Emirates Unveils Refurbished Hong Kong Lounge

Emirates has unveiled its newly renovated airport lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, located near gate 40 on level 7. The expanded 643 sqm facility can now accommodate 132 guests and serves the airline's two daily flights between Hong Kong and Dubai, as well as a third daily frequency via Bangkok. The lounge features shower facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, a prayer room, and a buffet offering local and Oriental cuisines, including classic Hong Kong desserts. This renovation follows recent upgrades to Emirates' lounges in Brisbane and Germany. The carrier has also extended its complimentary chauffeur drive service at Hong Kong International Airport to include business class passengers.

Business Traveller | Related Emirates Unveils Renewed Lounge in Hong Kong – Airways

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @yvrspotterdaniel, showing a China Airlines Airbus A350 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Images in Motion, @SouthwestAir , and @tapairportugal are some of the buyers represented at #APEXContentMarket, March 26-27, in Lisbon, Portugal. For APEX Members still looking to attend the event, you can register here: https://bit.ly/497Z5Ey #IFE #PaxEx #Aviation

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 are moving beyond with our products by collaborating with leading companies from different industries and will keep providing innovative solutions and technologies that are reflected in the passengers' experience as the company is moving steadily to achieve its strategic goals and to reinforce our position as a leading low-cost airline."

Bander Almohanna, CEO & Managing Director of flynas
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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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