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March 19, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

SatixFy to Develop Multi-Satellite, Multi-Orbit OneWeb IFC Terminal

OneWeb has enlisted SatixFy to create a compact in-flight connectivity (IFC) terminal that works with both the OneWeb network and geostationary (GEO) satellite networks. The terminal will be based on SatixFy’s Electronically Steered Multibeam Antenna (ESMA) technology, developed together with JetTalk, a joint venture between SatixFy and ST Engineering. JetTalk will commercialize the product. “This agreement with SatixFy represents a major milestone for OneWeb Aviation, as we plot our path to facilitating onboard connectivity, globally, on commercial airliners and corporate jets, large and small,” said Ben Griffin, VP Mobility at OneWeb.

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Air France and Scoot Test Digital Health Verification Solutions

On March 15, Air France and Groupe ADP began testing the ICC AOKpass solution on flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Passengers that use the app will be granted priority access at boarding and passport control on arrival in Paris. Scoot is testing an online portal managed by Collinson that allows passengers departing from Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong to book and pay for COVID-19 tests at accredited partner clinics. Passengers’ test results can also be verified digitally by Scoot staff using a solution from Affinidi at check-in on select flights from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

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Saudia Closes $3B Aircraft Financing Deal

Saudia has signed a $3 billion financing deal with six Saudi banks to partially cover the acquisition of 73 new aircraft, orders for which have already been announced. The aircraft comprise 20 A321neos, 15 A321XLRs, 30 A320neos for its low-cost arm flyadeal, and eight Boeing 787-10s. Five of the 787-10s have already entered into service. The deal is the largest in the history of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector, and underscores Saudia’s commitment to the country’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to attract 100 million tourists and 30 million Umrah pilgrims each year.

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Dnata Launches Baggage Disinfection Product at Changi Airport

Dnata has partnered with the Disinfect Group and Ecas4 Australia to launch a baggage disinfection service at Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 3. Disinfect Group’s equipment creates a mist using Ecas4 Australia’s electrolyzed water, which consists of salt and water that is activated using an electrical process. The mist is 100% natural and proven to kill over 99.99% of bacteria and pathogens, such as coronavirus. Dnata plans to introduce the service at Changi’s other terminals and additional airports across the Asia-Pacific region in the second half of this year. Services fees start from just under $4 per bag as an introductory price.

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FAA Extends “Zero-Tolerance” Policy for Non-Mask Wearers

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is extending its “zero-tolerance” policy for bad behavior as long as there’s a federal mask mandate for transportation. Originally due to expire at the end of March, the policy gives the FAA power to issue fines and make criminal referrals against passengers that violate safety rules. “The number of cases we’re seeing is still far too high, and it tells us urgent action continues to be required,” said FAA administrator Steve Dickson. The agency has received over 500 incident reports from airlines since late December, mostly involving passengers refusing to wear masks.

Washington Post | Related FAA proposes $14,500 penalty against JetBlue passenger who caused plane to turn around – USA Today

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MishiPay’s Scan, Pay & Go Debuts at US Airports

Concessionaire Paradies Lagardère is launching MishiPay’s Scan, Pay & Go technology in the US airport market. It allows users to select the items they want, scan their barcodes and pay using their mobile devices, freeing up staff from checkouts. The solution is being introduced at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s Univision store and Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s Gifts & News store. Gregg Paradies, president and CEO at Paradies Lagardère, said, “Early results from our trials ... show that travelers are embracing this user-friendly service.”

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Hudson opens first DAL store using Amazon Just Walk Out technology – TRBusiness

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New Airlines Join TSA PreCheck

LATAM Airlines Group, LATAM Brasil, LATAM Perú and LATAM Ecuador have joined the Transportation Security Administration’s TSA PreCheck expedited screening program, which members can use at over 200 US airports. Air Choice One, which provides domestic flights within the US, also joined. These additions bring the total number of carriers participating in the program to 82. According to the TSA, 100% of passengers that used TSA PreCheck lanes in February 2021 waited less than five minutes.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A beautiful lake which looks more like a Caribbean beach! 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

Last Spring, we gave flights to 100,000 Healthcare Heroes to take a well-deserved break, and now they’re taking us up on it. Meet Kendra, who used her tickets to take her family to Florida to reunite with her parents.

JetBlue @JetBlue

Association News

APEX Media Q&A Series Puts Thought Leaders In the Hot Seat

The formula is simple, but the results are insightful: APEX Media has invited aviation thought leaders to share their opinions on the state of the industry, and partake in a Q&A to get to the heart of the matter in a series called In the Hot Seat. So far we've featured Teague's senior director of Airline Experience, Anthony Harcup; Axinom's CEO, Ralph Wagner; and Plusgrade's COO, Pramod Jain. If you would like to participate in this series, e-mail your opinion statement to editor@apex.aero.

> Quote of the Day

"TSI has partnered with Sharecare Windows, offering wellness and relaxation content that’s primarily dialogue free, making it accessible to all airlines around the world."

Alessandro DiGiovanna, Terry Steiner International
Read the article

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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