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March 12, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Air New Zealand Brings Back Full Service

From Monday, Air New Zealand passengers will experience the carrier's full food and beverage service. “The decision to bring food and beverage back on board was made under guidance from the Ministry of Health,” said Leanne Geraghty, the carrier’s chief customer and sales officer. “Feedback from customers has been that they really enjoy a snack and a cup of coffee or tea while flying, so we're looking forward to welcoming this back ... Customers are of course still required to wear their mask or face covering while they are not enjoying a drink or bite to eat.”

air new zealand | Related Meals ban on domestic flights fuels job loss fears in South African aviation catering industry – Daily Maverick

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Boeing Logs 24 More 737 MAX Orders

Private alternative investment firm 777 Partners ordered 24 Boeing 737-8 aircraft today, and has options for an additional 60. The firm has a stake in Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier Flair Airlines. Joshua Wander, 777 Partners’ founder, said the order “will enable our partners to leverage the jets’ superior economic performance to deliver low fares for their passengers while reducing their carbon footprint,” adding that he sees a market opportunity for more agile and cost-efficient operators. The 737-8 can fly about 600 miles farther than its predecessor and reduces fuel consumption by 16%.

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Geneva Airport Upgrades Inflyter Click and Collect System

The latest phase of the partnership between Lagardère Travel Retail Switzerland and Inflyter integrates a fully digital purchasing experience at Geneva Airport duty free stores. The upgraded digital platform now accepts payment and allows customers to pre-order products and collect them at the airport. The first version of the platform was launched in 2019, and the program has already boosted the average basket value beyond the typical in-store spend. Geneva Airport’s commercial director, Pierre Germain, said the move empowers travelers and “supports our retail partners in exploring new sales channels and revenue opportunities.”

moodie davitt report | Related Inflyter and Grab get funded, airport service app market heats up – Phocuswire

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Qantas Tests CommonPass on Repatriation Flights

After successfully testing CommonPass with crew last month, Qantas is now inviting customers traveling on international repatriation flights to use the app. CommonPass is used to verify COVID test results and vaccination information for border or health officials and airline staff. Last week, travelers being repatriated from Frankfurt were first to use the technology. Qantas recently announced it was planning to restart regular international flights to most of its pre-COVID destinations on October 31, and it remains to be seen whether the airline will proceed with CommonPass or side with IATA’s Travel Pass.

qantas newsroom | Related QANTAS AND JETSTAR PREPARE TO RESUME INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM LATE OCTOBER – Qantas

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ACS Portfolio Focuses on Single-Aisle Aircraft

Integrated cabin interiors group company AVIC Cabin Systems (ACS) has curated a portfolio of products designed with single-aisle aircraft in mind. While this growing segment is achieving longer flight ranges, “it is vital that airlines also make the journeys comfortable and pleasurable,” said Andy Morris, the company’s VP Commercial. Among the new products are the lie-flat VantageSOLO seat from Thompson Aero Seating, fully accessible lavatory LAV4ALL from FACC, an economy-class seat aimed at the Chinese market from Jiatai and a next-generation galley concept from AIM Altitude.

ads advance | Related Factorydesign and Thompson Aero’s VantageSolo Seat Is Proof That Breaking From Tradition Has Its Rewards – APEX Media

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Emirates Asks Unvaccinated Staff to Pay for Testing

Citing health and operational concerns, Emirates sent a memo to employees warning them that they will need to pay for COVID-19 tests out of their own pockets one week before their scheduled shifts if they decline the vaccine, which the airline is offering free of charge. Staff have until March 15 to get vaccinated and become exempt from the ruling. “Certain countries may in the future differentiate entry criteria between those who have taken the vaccine and those who did not,” the internal memo read. Around 60% of cabin crew have received a dose or are scheduled to be vaccinated.

travel pulse | Related O’Hare COVID-19 vaccination sites opening for transportation workers – Chicago Tribune

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Widerøe May Operate Electric Aircraft in Five Years

If the P-Volt electric short-range aircraft concept reaches fruition, Scandinavian regional airline Widerøe will be the launch customer in 2026. The nine-seater P-Volt concept is the result of a 2019 partnership between Rolls-Royce and airframer Tecnam. Stein Nilsen, Widerøe’s chief executive, said: “Norway’s extensive network of short take-off and landing airports is ideal for zero emissions technologies.” Typically, 74% of Widerøe flights cover distances of less than 170 miles.

the design air | Related TECNAM P-VOLT: LIFTING THE WORLD TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY – Tecnam

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Our in-house designer Angélica Geisse created this tech-tastic motif for a piece about open platforms and IFE.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Onboard the first @SouthwestAir #Boeing737Max out of @MCO today. Welcome back to the #MAX. ✈️ Heading to @fly2midway

Ray Osburn @rollercoastinRO

Association News

Sign Up for the Virtual Crystal Cabin Awards Ceremony

The Crystal Cabin Award Association invites you to the 2020/2021 virtual awards ceremony taking place March 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. CET. A total of 24 finalists will compete for eight trophies. While the prize giving ceremony is usually reserved exclusively for finalists, sponsors and other distinguished guests from industry and politics, this year the doors will be opened to the cabin interiors community worldwide. Attendees can also look forward to a "Crystal Cabin Award TV" experience with high-profile guests! Learn more.

> Quote of the Day

"We believe that ... visual safety cues in the cabin will increase confidence and accelerate the recovery."

Anthony Harcup, Teague
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Until next week

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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