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March 15, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Qatar Airways to launch First Class, courts Airbus and Boeing for new planes

Qatar Airways, under new CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer, is launching a first-class cabin concept aiming to blend commercial and private jet experiences alongside the pursuit of significant aircraft orders from Boeing and Airbus to drive a strategic overhaul. This move follows a comprehensive review and reflects Al Meer's ambition to refresh the airline's strategy and supplier relations, building on the momentum of a record $1.21 billion net profit in the fiscal year 2022-23. The proposal includes redesigning its premium Q-Suite and submitting a Request for Proposal for a substantial aircraft order, aiming to enhance service and expand in key markets.

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Singapore Airlines Unveils Revamped Premium Economy Experience With New Tableware

Singapore Airlines has revitalized its Premium Economy experience, introducing this major upgrade for the first time since 2015. The refresh includes custom-designed porcelain tableware, a welcome Champagne after takeoff, and amenity kits for flights longer than seven hours. The airline has expanded its menu to offer over 200 new appetizers, entrees, and desserts, along with the introduction of its famous garlic bread and an enhanced 'book the cook' pre-order meal service with 20 rotating dishes. Premium Economy passengers will also enjoy an improved drink selection, including Charles de Cazanove Brut Tradition NV Champagne and a new amenity pouch.

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PLAY Airlines discusses mastering the nuances of digital retailing

A digital focus is central to the business model of Icelandic low-cost airline PLAY, with progressive, customer-centric solutions designed to both enhance the passenger experience and increase ancillary revenue. Ahead of his participation at the co-located FTE EMEA and FTE Ancillary & Retailing events (Dublin, 11-13 June 2024), Adrian Keating, Executive Director Commercial, shared the PLAY Airlines vision for optimising and evolving commercial offerings.

Future Travel Experience | Related FTE - Ancillary & Retailing

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The Future of Air Travel: How AI Will Reimagine Airports

At the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, experts from Alaska Airlines, Los Angeles World Airports, and the TSA discussed AI's potential from curb to gate. According to the panel, AI can improve wayfinding with real-time, personalized navigation, transforming the stress of navigating through busy airports. It's also expected to redefine security screenings, making them more efficient through automated processes, including the use of biometrics. Moreover, by streamlining baggage handling, AI-powered robotics could significantly reduce lost baggage issues. The panel stressed that while AI automates tasks, it's designed not to replace but to augment human interaction, allowing staff to focus on high-touch, personalized services.

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LATAM becomes first airline group in South America to add Disney+ content to inflight entertainment service

The LATAM group now has free and exclusive Disney+ content on its LATAM Play inflight entertainment service. The agreement secures the streaming platform’s content across LATAM’s extensive operational network that spans over 300 aircraft, servicing 147 destinations in 25 countries. LATAM becomes the first group of airlines in South America to have Disney+ content in its onboard service. “We remain focused on making each flight an unforgettable experience for the customers,” said Paulo Miranda, Vice President of Customers, LATAM Airlines Group.

Future Travel Experience | Related

Paramount+ content deal with LATAM Airlines - Advanced Television

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Germany: Airport security staff strike at smaller hubs

Airport security staff at several smaller German hubs, including Hanover, Dortmund, Weeze, Dresden, Leipzig, and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, went on strike, affecting flights and emphasizing the impact of labour actions on the country's transportation infrastructure. The strike, organized by the trade union Verdi, aims to increase pressure before the next round of negotiations on March 20. Although fewer cancellations were expected compared to the previous day, the strike underscores broader issues within Germany's transport sector, with recent strikes in both air and rail transport sparking discussions about their impact on economic growth.

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Eindhoven airport definitely closing for five months from February 2027: report

Eindhoven Airport is set to close for five months starting February 2027 for runway renovations and fog landing installations, impacting airlines, car rental companies, and catering services. Transavia and TUI, major users of the airport, have been informed and are awaiting further discussions. The Ministry of Defense, owning the airport, has not commented. The closure poses significant financial challenges for on-site businesses, like car rental company Enterprise, which fears substantial revenue loss. Travel association ANVR views the advanced notice as sufficient for finding solutions.

NL Times | Related

Eindhoven Airport will close for five months in 2027 - Eindhoven Airport

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @flying_pirates2423 showing a United Boeing787-10 Dreamliner at Tokyo-Haneda. Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

IMPS s.r.l., Encore Inflight Limited, @euroarts , @all3media_int & @dwnews are exhibiting at #APEXContentMarket in less than 2 weeks (March 26-27) in Lisbon, Portugal. Learn more about the event & see who else will be attending ➡️ http://bit.ly/497Z5Ey

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 wanted to combine the experience of flying commercial and flying on a private jet and develop something new,. We are 70% to 80% ready. We are only finalizing colors and small touches, but hopefully we will be able to announce it very soon.”

Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer.
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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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