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March 10, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Industry Pushes White House to Standardize Health Credentials

Groups including airline trade organizations, labor unions and the US Chamber of Commerce asked the Biden administration to develop temporary health credential forms that travelers can use to prove their health and vaccination status until a proper vaccine passport is widely accepted. They maintain that this would help revive travel and increase revenue during a time when US airlines are losing $150 million a day. The industry pointed to the CDC as a favorable overseer of new credentials. That agency recently stated that travel is not recommended for either vaccinated or unvaccinated Americans.

travel weekly | Related New CDC guidelines a blow for ailing airline industry – The Hill

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IATA Survey Reveals Public is Eager to Travel

After conducting 4,700 interviews across 11 nations, IATA announced that most people support a balanced approach to virus containment and the ability to travel. 85% of respondents believed that governments should set COVID-19 targets (such as testing capacity or vaccine distribution) to re-open borders, and half said they felt air travel restrictions have gone too far. Quarantines upon arrival also proved to be a deal-breaker for would-be travelers. “As testing capacity and technology improves and the vaccinated population grows, the conditions for removing quarantine measures are being created,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO.

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Trio of Japanese Companies Launch New In-Flight Server

Peach Aviation, a carrier with a 36-strong fleet of aircraft, joined forces with Asahi Television Broadcasting (ABC) and TEAC Corporation to develop an in-flight server that allows passengers to stream content, view a live in-flight map and make in-flight purchases. Its proprietary payment technology does not require an internet connection, relying instead on a satellite link to complete transactions. Peach and ABC have pledged to produce original content including destination-themed videos. The in-flight service launched yesterday.

Peach Aviation | Related Celebrating Ninth Anniversary – Peach Aviation

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Digital Disruption Management Can Soothe Passenger, Airline Frustrations

Alexander van Deudekom, CEO at travel technology solutions and transport services provider Get-e, believes that airlines should be embracing digital disruption management solutions that can communicate effectively with passengers via push notifications or text messages. He believes it’s a win-win for carriers, as it reduces costs and increases efficiencies and passenger satisfaction. “Going digital with disruption management means that additional complementary services can be made available through an airline’s app, and adding self-service functionality increases passenger choice and reduces airline administration even further,” van Deudekom said.

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Malaysia Airlines Allows Employees to Sell Crafts

Two entrepreneurial Malaysia Airlines cabin crew members are among the first to create, produce and sell their handcrafted items via the airline’s online store, Temptations. Agnes Yap is selling merchandise featuring her drawn characters inspired by the airline’s blouse-dress “kebaya” uniform, and Wesley Anak Juntan is launching a line of dolls dressed in traditional Malaysian clothing. The retail program, called MHartisans, is open to all airline employees. “This new initiative is more than just an opportunity for us to support our colleagues. It also allows us to feature Malaysian-made products which embody our nation's diverse cultures and heritage,” said the airline’s chief marketing and customer experience officer, Lau Yin May.

malaysia airlines | Related Malaysia Airlines Brings Premium Cabin Experience to your Home – Malaysia Airlines

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Ryanair Creates COVID Travel Wallet, More Carriers Test IATA Travel Pass

A “C-19 Travel Wallet” is now available within the Ryanair app, which allows passengers to upload COVID-related documents including negative PCR tests and vaccination certificates. “Since EU governments won’t have a vaccine passport in place for this summer, Ryanair is mindful that additional COVID travel documents may be required by certain EU countries,” said the airline. “Ryanair’s new C-19 Travel Wallet ensures passengers have all their COVID-19 travel documents saved and secure in one place to present at airports on their next getaway.” Elsewhere, All Nippon Airways and Air Serbia are the latest to announce they will test IATA’s Travel Pass.

travel weekly | Related IATA Travel Pass News & Media Kit – IATA

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SmartSky Holds Over 200 Patents

Communications company SmartSky Networks has surpassed 200 granted patents as it readies itself for the launch of its next-generation in-flight broadband service. The patents relate to its air-to-ground network architecture, operation in the 2.4 GHz unlicensed band, beamforming, spectrum reuse, signal processing and more. The company also has patents in the areas of blockchain, aircraft trajectory management and aerospace commerce exchange.

smartsky networks | Related SmartSky Raises Additional Capital As Aviation Broadband Wi-Fi Service Nears Launch – Smartsky

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Illustrator Carolina Angulo used the skills in her own toolkit to design the visuals accompanying this piece by Katie Sehl.

This week, we're celebrating female illustrators that have contributed to #APEXExperienceMag over the years.

> Tweet of the Day

Come fly with Loubiairways and discover the Fall-Winter 2021 collection! #ChristianLouboutin Featuring: So Kate pump No Penny loafer Vernica Mary Jane pump Kypipouch bag Director & Photographer: Victor Bastidas Location: TWA

Christian Louboutin @LouboutinWorld

Association News

COVID-19 Update Page: Continuously Updated

The coronavirus crisis has forced airlines, airports and governments to work together and find innovative solutions to restore traveler confidence and uphold the highest levels of safety. To keep tabs on industry goings-on, and trace its recovery, keep this page handy. It’s updated daily with insights courtesy of trusted news sources and stories from our exclusive network of members.

> Quote of the Day

"The parallels between live events venues and airports are numerous when you look at the way they both draw people together for a common purpose."

Geoffrey Ax, Populous
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Until tomorrow

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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