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March 18, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Korean Air Readies New 787-10 Business Class Suites

Korean Air is set to reveal all-new business class suites on its upcoming Boeing 787-10 aircraft, with delivery expected in the second quarter of 2024. The suites will feature high-tech features and privacy doors, bringing Korean Air in line with its regional rivals. The 787-10s will not have premium economy seats, opting for a two-class configuration instead. The new suites will also be added to the Boeing 777-300ER fleet, with the same physical size across both aircraft types. Details about the suite's manufacturer and layout remain confidential.

Executive Traveller | Related New Korean Air Business Class Seat Coming To 777 & 787 – One Mile at a Time

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EASA Could Halt Recognition Of FAA's Boeing Approval

The acting head of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Luc Tytgat, has stated that the regulator could end its recognition of US approvals for Boeing aircraft due to concerns about quality control. This follows an incident involving a door plug blowout on a 737 MAX 9 plane in January. While no immediate action is planned, Tytgat emphasized that all tools must be implementable if the situation requires appropriate measures. EASA and the FAA currently recognize each other's approvals for Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Airport Technology | Related Europe regulator says it would pull Boeing approval if needed – CNBC

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Airbus To Choose Between Hydrogen Engines & Fuel Cells This Decade For First H2 Planes

Airbus may delay its decision on which hydrogen propulsion technology will power its first H2 planes until 2027. The company is exploring both hydrogen engines and fuel cells, aiming to validate one at the lab level in 2026 or 2027 and demonstrate its use in flight tests before formally launching the program in 2028 or 2029. Airbus has already powered up a 1.2MW fuel cell propulsion system in the lab and rigged a small hydrogen combustion engine to a glider. The decision will also depend on the readiness of refueling infrastructure at airports.

Hydrogen Insight | Related First ZEROe engine fuel cell successfully powers on – Airbus

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Exploring the Evolution Of In-Flight Wi-Fi At SXSW: Insights From JetBlue & Viasat

JetBlue and Viasat discussed the evolution of in-flight Wi-Fi and its impact on passenger experience at SXSW. JetBlue partnered with Viasat in 2013 to offer free, high-speed Wi-Fi, setting a new standard for in-flight connectivity. Delivering reliable internet on planes is challenging due to factors like high usage density, aircraft movement, and hardware limitations. As passenger behavior shifted towards streaming video content, JetBlue and Viasat adapted by employing advanced technologies and developing efficient content delivery methods. Collaborations with companies like Amazon have allowed JetBlue to monetize its Wi-Fi offering while providing passengers with a wide range of content and services.

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Air France To Match Customers' Voluntary SAF Contributions This Summer

Air France plans to match customers' voluntary contributions to its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) investment fund during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The initiative, effective from March 13, 2024, will automatically apply to all bookings for travel between July 18 and September 9, 2024, to destinations in mainland France and French Polynesia. Air France aims to incorporate at least 10% SAF on all its flights worldwide by 2030, compared to the current 1% used today. The carrier seeks to boost investments in SAF this summer.

Business Travel News Europe | Related Air France to match its customers' voluntary contributions to the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games – Air France

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Sofia Airport Installs e-Gates Ahead Of Schengen Entry

SOF Connect, the operator of Sofia Airport, has launched an automated boarding card checking system at Terminal 2. The new smart system includes IATA-compatible electronic counters and software for connecting to airport and airline systems. Provided by Gunnebo Group and Airsphere, each counter can process 10-12 passengers per minute, recognizing barcodes and QR codes on electronic or paper boarding passes. One of the six counters is designed for people with limited mobility. The launch comes as Bulgaria prepares to join the Schengen area on March 31.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Say Goodbye to Queues: Today Sofia Airport Launched the Smart Boarding Pass System – Novinite.com

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Acclaimed Chef Karen Akunowicz Brings Northern Italian Food To Logan Airport

Chef Karen Akunowicz has opened Fox & Flight, an offshoot of her Modena-inspired South Boston restaurant, at Logan Airport's Terminal A. The all-day restaurant serves northern Italian-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with cocktails. Seating nearly 100 guests, Fox & Flight features eye-catching foxes on the walls and attractive green tiling, creating a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is a partnership between Akunowicz and travel retailer and restaurateur Paradies Lagardère, offering travelers a taste of northern Italy before boarding their flights.

Boston Magazine | Related Boston Logan opens Italian Fox & Flight restaurant – Passenger Terminal Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @aviate_ty showing an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900 aircraft with the 'Our Commitment' livery.

Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

They say third time's a charm and that's definitely the case for @fly91_IN 's 1st @ATRaircraft - MSN 1385 now registered VT-FIB. Owned by Dubai Aerospace Enterprises, this 7.2 year old aircraft has in the past been part of @FlyTruJet and @flybigairlines fleets. #AvGeek #PaxEx

VT-VLO @Vinamralongani

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

"I have seen a change in the management. They put a lot of weight on quality controls, product quality and I was really reassured about the willingness of the top management to change... production quality control."

Luc Tytgat, EASA Acting Executive Director
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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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