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March 22, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Thales to Provide Biometric Border Kiosks in France

Starting next year, non-European citizens who wish to enter and exit the continent must pre-register at a biometric kiosk. The French Ministry of the Interior announced it has selected Thales to provide this technology due to its “expertise in identity and border management.” According to Youzec Kurp, SVP Identity and Biometric Solutions at Thales, the self-service Thales Gemalto Border Kiosks being supplied incorporate software optimized for ultra-rapid checks of a document’s authenticity and intelligent detection of identity fraud. Thales will deploy several hundred machines to be used at air, land and sea border crossings.

businesswire | Related Will COVID-19 spark reform of the EU's borderless Schengen Area? – Euro News

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SAN, Honeywell Testing Video Analytics to Enhance Health Safety

Honeywell Building Technologies is testing its Honeywell Pro-Watch Video Management system at San Diego International Airport (SAN) as part of the latter’s accelerator program, the Airport Innovation Lab. The system uses cameras to identify whether airport users are social distancing and wearing masks. It is connected to Honeywell’s Pro-Watch Intelligent Command, which creates a dashboard showing the number of occupants in a space, flags incidents and sends real-time alerts should airport staff need to take action. The pilot will finish in early summer and, if successful, SAN could roll out the technology across the airport.

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Star Alliance Drawn to Innovation in Singapore

A new Star Alliance office will be built in Singapore. The company’s executive board chose the region for its competitive business landscape and access to innovation. The center of excellence will complement Star Alliance’s Frankfurt office, by contributing to the company’s post-COVID-19 strategy and growing its digital customer experience. Alliance member airlines Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines have established innovation hubs in the nation as well.

star alliance | Related Lufthansa Innovation Hub officially opens new Singapore office – Future Travel Experience

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Emirates Flight Catering Brings Kosher Production In-House

CCL Holdings and Emirates Flight Catering created a joint venture to prepare and distribute kosher food in the Gulf region. Kosher Arabia’s new Dubai facility employs 20 specialized cooks and will serve meals in the aviation, hospitality and events sectors, including at this year’s Dubai Expo. The new facility allows Emirates to expand its kosher menu offered on flights to Tel Aviv. The company will use energy-efficient solutions and eco-friendly packaging. “We will work hard to deliver world-class services and products through innovative and sustainable solutions, every day,” said Matt Rickard, general manager, Kosher Arabia.

Emirates Flight Catering | Related Emirates Launches Kosher Catering Facilities For Tel Aviv Plans – Simple Flying

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UV Baggage Disinfection Arrives at KLIA

To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 among travelers and baggage handling staff, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) installed a UV disinfection system that disinfects arriving luggage as it passes through the conveyor tunnel. Two systems are up and running, and another two will be implemented next month. The system also eliminates mold and bacteria. KLIA has been investing in UV technology of late: last year it installed a UV Chamber in its washrooms, which uses UV light to interrupt the transmission of infectious airborne pathogens.

passenger terminal today | Related Delhi airport using ultraviolet disinfect – Times of India

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Va-Q-Tec, Hutchinson to Develop Thermal Insulation Solutions for Aircraft

A new partnership will see Va-Q-tec’s vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) combined with Hutchinson’s products in various research and development projects to produce cabin insulation for the aviation industry, as well as battery insulation for electric vehicles. Va-Q-tec’s VIPs use the principle of the thermos flask in panel form, creating a solution that insulates ten times better than conventional materials. The companies claim that by insulating the aircraft fuselage with VIPs, thermal issues can be solved while adding space for additional seats or personal space for passengers. “I see modern thermal architecture as one of the most essential keys to energy efficiency in future vehicles,” said Dr. Joachim Kuhn, founder and CEO, va-Q-tec.

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Dezerved Launches in Partnership with Lufthansa’s Miles & More Program

Dezerved, a members-only online marketplace that connects loyalty program members with exclusive offers from luxury brands, has partnered with Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More program for its launch. It gives brands the flexibility to tailor their offers, including coupons, vouchers or prizes, which users can claim with a combination of rewards points or miles and cash. Farfetch, Sony, Fitbit and Parmigiani Fleurier are among the brands taking part. Parent company Loylogic said Dezerved was developed to support the retail and travel industries in response to COVID-19.

home of direct commerce | Related Etihad Guest and FARFETCH partner to reward members who shop the latest trends – Etihad

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Caroline Ku's interview with Virgin America flight attendant and photographer Molly Choma provides the perfect insight into the airline's final days.

This week, we're continuing our celebration of Women's History Month by saluting some of APEX Media's female writers.

> Tweet of the Day

Taiwan's China Airlines has said farewell to its last passenger 747. A while back, we designed what would become the final CI 747 cabin. The styling was later used on A330s and 737s as well. Lovely people to work with and we wish them all the best.

LIFT Aero Design @lift_aero

Association News

APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader Sheds Light on the New Traveler Experience

The writing is on the wall, according to APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader: the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the airport experience. Health safety measures, as well as touchless biometric screening are here to stay. “[Travelers] are going to see less of a crowded experience, [and] more of a touch-free as possible experience, including self bag tag and … [a] biometric baggage drop.” Read more about the new traveler experience here.

> Quote of the Day

"We have a handful of new ideas in the hopper, but our next to market is going to be a next-generation economy-class seat upgrade kit."

Anthony Harcup, Teague
Read the article

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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