Apex Daily Experience

No Images? Open in Browser

March 11, 2021

Go to APEX.AERO

Today's Top Stories

US Stimulus Bill Hands $14B to Airlines, Staff Safe Until September 30

The latest COVID-19 aid package was approved by US lawmakers yesterday. The $1.9-trillion stimulus plan is the first to be drafted by President Joe Biden and, unlike the previous rounds of aid, won approval by only a slim margin as all Republican representatives voted against it. Part of the bill sees $14 billion awarded to airlines so that they may extend payroll assistance by a further six months. The move saves around 27,000 jobs across American and United airlines; chiefs at those companies notified staff yesterday that they can “tear up” the furlough warnings previously sent out.

SHARE

Australian Government Details Financial Aid for Aviation Industry

Between April and July, the Australian government will cover half the cost of 800,000 flights to priority tourist destinations in a bid to encourage people to book domestic flights. The move is part of a $933-million federal aid package that will also see airlines receive payments to keep approximately 8,600 employees in work until international travel resumes in November. In addition, the package includes low-cost loans for small employers, offering up to $3.9 million over 10 years, as well as payments for airport services to keep ground handlers in work.

Sydney Morning Herald | Related Labor questions why majority of destinations for cheap flights are marginal seats – The Guardian

SHARE

Delta Reduces In-Flight Touchpoints

From March 16, Delta passengers will be able to use contactless payment methods to pay for earbuds in-flight. The option to use contactless technology, and to receive emailed receipts, will expand to all onboard purchases as more food and beverage options return in future. Delta is also testing digital seatback menus on select international flights to reduce waste, streamline its in-flight service and keep passengers and crew safe. The carrier’s chief customer experience officer, Bill Lentsch, explained, “Not only will these new features provide peace of mind in the pandemic era by reducing touchpoints, they’re a key element of our vision for easing every step of the travel journey.”

travel pulse | Related Delta Receives Diamond Health Safety Certification For Customer-Centric Practices – APEX Media

SHARE

LSG Group Commits to Six UN Sustainable Development Goals

LSG Group is committing to six of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, chosen based on workshops and interviews assessing where the company could make the most impact. The goals include good health and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, climate action and seeking additional partnerships. Nils Taubert, LSG Group’s head of Sustainability Management, said, “We’ve adopted a holistic view on the subject, clustering our activities into the three pillars of sustainability: Healthy People. Healthy Planet. Healthy Prosperity.”

SHARE

Teague Director Preaches Peace of Mind By Design

Airlines need to communicate duty of care standards to passengers whose confidence is on shaky ground, argues Anthony Harcup, senior director of Airline Experience at Teague. He points to surveys that indicate trepidation around travel in the over-50s demographic, which is the most likely to spend money on high-value travel experiences. “Moving forward, customers will favor airlines that demonstrate a meaningful commitment to initiatives and innovations that ensure...better resilience in the face of future pandemics,” he said. Harcup also revealed that the company’s AirShield device, which provides an extra line of defence against COVID-19 in the cabin, is launching globally in a few weeks following tests with four US airlines.

SHARE

US DOT Grants Approval for Breeze to Begin US Flights

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has officially granted approval for Breeze Aviation Group to participate in interstate passenger travel. The new carrier, created by JetBlue Airways founder David Neeleman, has been given up to one year to begin flights and can use up to 22 aircraft. According to a company filing, Breeze plans to operate leased 118-seat Embraer jets and has also agreed to buy 60 Airbus A220-300 planes, which seat between 130 and 160 passengers. The airline will be headquartered in Darien, Connecticut, while flight operations will be based in Salt Lake City.

SHARE

Austrian Renews Catering Contract With DO & CO

DO & CO will continue to provide the food and beverage offering on flights lasting more than three hours, long-haul flights from Vienna, Austrian Holidays charter flights and in business class on European routes. Soon, passengers on European flights of up to three hours will have access to a new catering concept, the "Austrian Melangerie." It will provide freshly produced food under the exclusive DO & CO brand "Henry for Austrian," with a focus on local dishes such as apple strudel or Brettljause, an Austrian cold platter. Austrian Airlines has been working with DO & CO since 2007.

austrian airlines | Related Austrian Airlines Says “Tschau” To Its First Boeing 767 – Simple Flying

SHARE

> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Gertrudis Shaw's hot take on spicy Indian food eaten during a Vice miniseries in partnership with AirAsia!

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

> Tweet of the Day

Please join us in welcoming our brand-new #A321neo Airplane, which we are picking up today in Hamburg Finkenwerder from @Airbus. The airplane bears the name of the German city Naumburg and will fly out of Frankfurt in the future.

Lufthansa News @lufthansaNews

Association News

More Exhibitors Commit to 2021 Virtual Expo

KID-Systeme, Aerogroup & MAGO are the latest to become exhibitors at the 2021 FTE APEX Virtual Expo. Blue chip companies and startups alike have already confirmed their participation and are excited to showcase their latest capabilities to support innovation efforts both on the ground and in the air. The epicenter of this event is the virtual exhibition hall, which will be an invaluable resource for the thousands of attendees who will be looking for inspiration on how to reposition their businesses to thrive in the post-COVID-19 world. Contact our sales team for more info on how to join.

> Quote of the Day

"Airlines need to be able to quickly arrange alternative transport and communicate this effectively to customers."

Alexander van Deudekom, Get-e
Read the article

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.

Connect with APEX

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

Change email frequency | Unsubscribe