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March 19, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Airbus, easyJet & Rolls-Royce Set Out UK's Strategy To Lead Hydrogen Industry

The Hydrogen in Aviation alliance (HIA), formed by aviation heavyweights in the UK, has published a Milestone Delivery Report outlining the strategy to lead the global hydrogen industry and build a $43 billion income. HIA recommends measures to support the transition from research to development and industrialization, appropriate resources for the Civil Aviation Authority, a network of hydrogen-ready airports, government support, scaling up hydrogen production, and equipping the workforce with necessary skills.

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UK Launches 'Future of Flight' Plan, Targets Autonomous eVTOL Flights By 2030

The UK Government has released a Future of Flight action plan, estimating that the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) market could contribute £45bn to the UK economy by 2030. The plan predicts the first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flying taxi flight in the UK by 2026, regular drone deliveries by 2027, and demonstrations of autonomous air taxis without pilots by 2030. The plan, sponsored by the Future of Flight Industry Group, outlines a UAS pathway for using drones beyond the pilot's line of sight in non-segregated and integrated airspace.

Airport Technology | Related UK government wants to see flying taxis by 2028 – Business Traveller

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United Airlines CEO Vows Review of Recent Safety Incidents

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby announced that the airline is reviewing recent safety incidents and using the insights to update safety training and procedures for employees. Despite the incidents being unrelated, Kirby assured customers that United is taking them seriously and will learn the right lessons to maintain a safety-first operation. The airline plans to introduce an extra day of in-person training for pilots, centralize training for new-hire maintenance technicians, dedicate more resources to supplier network management, and encourage employees to flag safety-related issues.

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Panasonic Celebrates First Shipment Of Astrova OLED IFE To Icelandair

Panasonic Avionics has shipped its first Astrova inflight entertainment monitors to launch customer Icelandair for installation on their new Airbus A321neo LR aircraft. Astrova represents a paradigm shift in inflight entertainment and connectivity, with a modular architecture that allows for easy hardware updates without costly engineering certification. The monitors feature 4K OLED screens, HDR 10+, multi-channel spatial audio, and fast charging via USB-C ports. Icelandair's A321neo LR fleet will also be equipped with Viasat's high-capacity Ka-band inflight connectivity and Panasonic's Arc 3D moving map and ZeroTouch service.

Runway Girl Network | Related Icelandair taps Viasat high-capacity Ka-band IFC for A321LR twinjets – Runway Girl Network

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Qantas Hikes Airport Lounge Membership By 17% To 80%

Qantas is increasing Qantas Club membership costs by an average of 41% and up to 80% for some categories, effective April 18, 2024. The airline cites cost increases from suppliers as the reason for the price hikes. The one-time joining fee for individual membership will rise by 30%, while ongoing yearly membership fees will increase by 16.5% to 20%, depending on the duration. Partner membership fees will see the most significant increase, ranging from 72% to 80%. Qantas Business Rewards program fees will also increase, but discounts on Qantas Club membership and airfares will remain.

Executive Traveller | Related Qantas considers 'subscription model' for lounge access – Executive Traveller

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Alstef Group Secures Baggage Handling Contract For Aeropuerto de Las Américas

Aerodom, the concessionaire for six airports in the Dominican Republic, has awarded Alstef Group a contract to remodel the baggage handling system (BHS) at Aeropuerto Internacional de Las Américas in Santo Domingo. The project aims to increase BHS capacity by integrating a new outbound system with explosive detection units, automatic tag readers, a makeup sortation loop, and control and inspection rooms. Alstef Group's BAGware software suite will manage the BHS, and the company will handle operation and maintenance for two years following the system's commissioning in mid-2025.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Alstef makes strategic investments in India – Airports International

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Los Angeles International Airport Opens New Retail & Dining Outposts

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports have announced the opening of new dining and retail concepts at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Terminal 3. The new offerings include Jocale jewellery and Pop Sox in Bradley West Gates, as well as LA-based restaurants Fat Sal's and Yakumi, both making their airport debut. The openings feature ownership by at least one Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partner, reflecting LAWA and URW's commitment to enhancing the guest experience through partnerships with local and small businesses.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @tpaspotter11, showing an Aer Lingus Airbus A330-202 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Enjoyed @CopaAirlines to Bogotá last night. Finally got to try their lie-flat business class product on one leg (the food was good but there could have been more of it), and economy the other. #paxex

Edward Russell @ByERussell

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

"Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, our airline has experienced a number of incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety. While they’re all unrelated, I want you to know that these incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus."

United CEO Scott Kirby
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The next newsletter will be out 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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