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March 18, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

EC Hopes to Implement Digital Green Certificate by This Summer

The European Commission (EC) has proposed the creation of a Digital Green Certificate to allow free movement around the EU this summer despite the pandemic. The certificate – available free of charge in digital or paper form – will use QR codes to verify that a person has been vaccinated against, received a negative test for, or recovered from COVID-19. The EC will build a gateway to ensure all certificates can be verified, and support Member States with technical implementation. EC Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said, “A common EU approach will not only help us to … avoid fragmentation. It is also a chance to influence global standards and lead by example based on our European values like data protection.”

European Commission | Related EU Marks One Year of External Border Closure – an Overview of the Year Left Behind – Schengen Visa Info

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Global Eagle to Launch its 737 IFC Product with Turkish Airlines

Global Eagle has received two supplemental type certificates (STCs) for the installation of its Airconnect Global Ku in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution on board Boeing 737 aircraft. One STC allows the company to install a server and wireless access points developed by Turkish Technic in addition to its own core components. The second allows for Airconnect Global Ku, which works together with Global Eagle and Profen's teleport infrastructure, to be installed on Turkish Airlines’ narrow-body fleet for use on short-haul international and domestic routes. “Turkish Airlines is the ideal partner for the first installation of our technology with our new STC,” said Mike Pigott, EVP Connectivity Operations, Global Eagle.

Global Eagle | Related Wavestream IFC Transceiver Earns DO-160G Certification from Global Eagle – Via Satellite

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Terry Steiner International Remains Committed to High-Quality IFE Content

Pre-pandemic, Terry Steiner International offered its non-theatrical clients 10-12 titles per month. In line with reduced demand, it now offers a maximum of six. “We foresee a slower recovery than we had originally anticipated for the in-flight business, with noticeable improvements beginning primarily in Q3 and Q4 of 2021,” explained Alessandro DiGiovanna, the company’s director, Sales and Marketing. “We don’t expect [airlines] to refresh as often as they used to until there is more confidence that consistent travel, especially internationally, has officially returned.”

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Sun Country Airlines IPO is a Success

Sun Country Airlines, which caters to budget-conscious leisure travelers, became the first US carrier to go public in more than two years on Wednesday. Its initial IPO price of $24 was more than the $21 to $23 the airline had projected, and shares closed at $36.38 yesterday evening, marking an increase of 50%. Sun Country Airlines said it raised $218 million from selling close to 9.1 million shares, which it will use to pay back federal CARES Act loans. The result echoes a broader increase in airline stocks as investors bank on the return of travel following mass-vaccination programs across the globe.

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Ethiopian Airlines to Use African Union Trusted Travel Pass

Ethiopian Airlines is working with the African Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to implement the African Union Trusted Travel Pass, allowing passengers to digitally verify their COVID-19 test and vaccination documents before flying. The pass has been developed as part of a multi-stakeholder public private partnership, with help from strategic partners, the PanaBIOS Consortium and Econet. “We are pleased to have introduced a digital platform that will be pivotal in increasing the number of passengers while making air travel safer,” commented Getinet Tadesse, CIO, Ethiopian Airlines.

Ethiopian Airlines | Related Ethiopian and Airlink may be Africa’s post-pandemic winners – The Africa Report

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First 100% SAF Study on Wide-body Aircraft Begins

Airbus, German research center DLR, Rolls-Royce and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer Neste are measuring the emissions of an Airbus A350-900 powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines using 100% SAF in comparison to kerosene. The Emission and Climate Impact of Alternative Fuels (ECLIF) study claims to be the first to use only SAF on a wide-body commercial aircraft, and its findings will support ongoing sustainability efforts at Airbus and Rolls-Royce. Jonathan Wood, Neste's VP Renewable Aviation in Europe, said independent analysis has shown that Neste SAF could reduce greenhouse gasses by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels.

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Changi Airport Celebrates Easter with Hershey’s Activation

In partnership with Hershey and FNA Group, Changi Airport Group has introduced a series of large-scale pop-ups in its Terminal 3 building. Taking inspiration from Hershey's Chocolate World store in New York's Times Square, passengers can fill a Hershey's Bucket of Happiness with eight different flavors from the Amazing Chocolate Machine, which features three-meter-high dispensers. There's also a "Customization Station," allowing passengers to add messages to digital photographs that are printed as a sticker on a customized sleeve for chocolate bars.

Moodie Davitt Report | Related Indulge in Hershey’s amazing world of chocolates, fun and games at Changi Airport this March School Holidays – Changi Airport

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A flight photo mission yielded this beautiful view of the Amsterdam Royal Palace. Captured by @nick_skeyes (via Instagram).

This week, we're featuring some of first officer Nick de Jonge's massively popular photos of Holland, his home country!

> Tweet of the Day

There’s been a mix-up… But that didn’t stop our newest trainees from the @AllBlacks getting stuck in at the engineering hangar. #CrazyAboutRugby

Air New Zealand @FlyAirNZ

Association News

Former Spirit Airlines CEO Ben Baldanza Kicks Off IFSA Webinar Series

The IFSA Virtual Thought Leadership Series begins on 31 March at 12 p.m. EDT with featured speaker Ben Baldanza, former Spirit Airlines CEO. This session will explore the impact the past year has had on the aviation market. What trends and regulations have emerged? How will these impact business models moving forward? Ben will impart valuable insights based on his diverse set of business ‎experiences and willingness to challenge current conventions when ‎necessary. Register today!

> Quote of the Day

"Passengers have not lost their appetite to shop, but we are seeing a change because they are doing it in a more conscious way."

José Lirio Silva, Retail inMotion
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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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