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March 8, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Boeing shifts employee bonus formula to safety and quality

Facing criticism for prioritizing financial results over safety and quality, Boeing is changing its bonus formula for over 100,000 nonunion employees. The new system will base 60% of bonuses for commercial aeroplane unit employees on safety and quality metrics instead of the previous 75% based on financial results. Defense, space, security, and global services divisions will also focus solely on safety and quality for 25% of their bonus scores. This shift comes after Boeing faced numerous issues, including crashes and delivery halts, resulting in significant operating losses in recent years, topping $31.5 billion.

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APEX TECH 2024: Day Two Content Panel Sessions, in Brief

The second day of APEX TECH 2024 included three panel discussions on in-flight entertainment content. Topics included “AI-assisted Smart Metadata in the Content Delivery Supply Chain” along with edge caching and data analytics. What became apparent across all three sessions is that the airline industry, particularly within the content delivery supply chain, both creates and has access to an abundance of useful data, but a lack of standardization in the numerous formats being used makes it difficult to use the data in a way that A) increases efficiency on the supplier side and B) enhances the passenger experience on the consumer side.

APEX Media | Related

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

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SAUDIA launches new range of children’s kits

SAUDIA has partnered with Illumination's Minions franchise to launch a new range of children's kits created by Buzz. The kits, designed for both long and short-haul flights, contain a variety of Minions-themed items such as games, keepsakes, and buildable figurines. Sustainability has been a key focus in the design, with the use of recycled and recyclable materials and the removal of polybags. The reusable and retail-quality items aim to make the journey more enjoyable for young passengers while being cherished beyond the flight.

Runway Girl | Related

Saudia embarks on A330 and B777 fleet retrofit program - Aviation Source

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LHR, DOH, Vantage Airport Group, Avolta and Kinetic Consultancy discuss airport commercial innovation

Ahead of their participation in the free-to-attend virtual meeting of the FTE World Airport Retailing Working Group on 14 March 2024, Sammy Patel, Vice President Commercial, Vantage Airport Group; Fraser Brown, Retail Director, Heathrow Airport; Gerald Ong, Strategy and Commercial Development, Hamad International Airport; Isabel Zarza, CEO Southern Europe, Avolta; and Martijn Steur, Managing Director, Kinetic Consultancy, share their insights into innovation, experience and engagement in the airport commercial realm.

Future Travel Experience | Related The FTE World Airport Retailing Working Group

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In Bloom on JetBlue: New Onboard Product Offerings this Spring

JetBlue is introducing new onboard product offerings to enhance the travel experience this spring. Mint customers will receive amenity kits featuring products from New York-based brands Dr. Dennis Gross and Plus Ultra, as well as a new menu from Legacy Records restaurant. In Core, transatlantic customers can enjoy DIG's farm-to-tray dishes. JetBlue is also adding a 'Luck of the Irish' IFE category to celebrate its upcoming Dublin service and an 'Awards Season' collection featuring major award-winning and nominated films. The airline says these updates aim to elevate JetBlue's inflight experience across various aspects, including dining, entertainment, and amenities.

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TSA unveils passenger self-screening lanes at Vegas airport as ‘a step into the future’

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has unveiled a new prototype of passenger self-screening lanes at Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport. The system allows travellers to pass through security with minimal assistance from TSA officers, using automated bins and a separate body scanning booth. The aim is to streamline the screening process and reduce wait times, with plans to test the system for use in other cities. While some travellers may need time to adapt to the new technology, it is expected to appeal to those seeking a hassle-free experience.

AP News | Related

TSA unveils first self-screening security lane at Las Vegas airport - Washington Post

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Airline to allow cats and dogs to fly in cabins alongside owners

Virgin Australia has announced plans to become the first Australian airline to allow passengers to bring small cats and dogs into the cabin on domestic flights. The move comes after a survey showed strong customer support for the idea. The pets will need to fit in a carrier under the seat and will be restricted to designated rows. The airline is working on strict rules to minimize impact on other passengers. The new service is expected to launch within the next 12 months, with a fee for those bringing pets.

Joe.co.uk | Related

Five quick questions answered on Virgin Australia's plans to allow animals into flight cabins - ABC News

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @doughertyevan_, showing an American Airlines A321neo in Pittsburgh 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 worked with an Asian content provider with a 10,000-strong title catalog, but just 17 of those titles accounted for 90% of streaming content”

Jim Nelson, CEO Siden
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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.

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