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March 23, 2021

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Today's Top Stories
 

 
 
 

Spring Break Leads to Busiest Travel Day Since Pandemic Onset

The TSA reported that over one million travelers have crossed its checkpoints every day since March 11. Sunday saw the busiest day of the year, with over 1.5 million people taking to the skies. This represents approximately 70% of pre-pandemic capacity. It’s plausible that travelers are headed to sunny destinations for spring break: Miami Beach instituted a curfew Saturday as it struggled to control crowds in its entertainment district. The US has administered over 118 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far, and supply may outpace demand by May.

usa today | Related The US is about to reach a surprise milestone: too many vaccines, not enough takers – MIT Technology Review

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ANA Earns $1.8M From At-Home Meal Sales

Nearly 3,000 All Nippon Airways (ANA) meals are being sold per day to Japanese residents at home, well beyond the airline’s expectations for the direct-to-consumer online sales model it launched in December. Dishes like beef sukiyaki and hamburger steak demi-glace sauce served with buttered rice and scrambled eggs are an especially hot commodity, selling out within five minutes. The microwavable meals are sold as a set of 12 for $83, and the airline also sells tableware and serving carts. ANA spokesperson Rei Takeuchi hopes that customers will choose to fly with the airline in the future after sampling the high-quality food.

forbes | Related As pandemic limits travel, Japanese airlines' sale of in-flight meals takes off – Mainichi

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DXB Becomes Magzter’s First Airport Partner

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has become the first airport to partner with digital newsstand platform Magzter. Geo-fencing technology allows airport users to access over 7,000 magazines, newspapers, journals and comics free of charge via a ‘Smart Reading Zone’ on DXB’s Wi-Fi network. “The addition of Magzter bolsters the growing range of lifestyle experiences available via DXB’s super-fast Wi-Fi network, following our existing partnerships with OSN for streaming movies and TV shows and Anghami for music playlists. We’re looking forward to unveiling more game-changing digital experiences in the near future,” said Eugene Barry, EVP Commercial, Dubai Airports.

moodie davitt report | Related Etihad Airways partners with PressReader – PressReader

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BBC World Service Keeps Pandemic-Proof Content in Stock

Despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, Larissa Abid, business development manager at BBC World Service, is confident that the broadcaster’s content will please pandemic-weary travelers. Light-hearted science program, The Infinite Monkey Cage, which has been recorded with a live virtual audience, and new shows like Grounded with Louis Theroux, have already delighted listeners. Abid outlines how important it is for airlines to cater to all tastes, “From lovers of the latest Hollywood blockbusters, to spoken word and music content, as well as children’s stories ... it all contributes to customer satisfaction for airlines.”

APEX Media | Related What We’re Made Of: Larissa Abid, BBC World Service – APEX Media

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Sweden Mulls Carbon-Related Aircraft Fees

Sweden’s government is discussing whether to overhaul take-off and landing fees for both passenger and cargo flights at Arlanda airport in Stockholm and Landvetter in Gothenburg so that they correspond with aircraft greenhouse gas emissions from July this year. The plan would mean lower fees for newer, more efficient aircraft or those using biofuels. The government said airports and airlines can devise how the system will work, but that it will implement a new regulatory framework if needed. The government believes this will be the first system of its kind in Europe, and possibly the world.

reuters | Related Sweden to increase airport fees for high-polluting planes ­– The Guardian

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Pangiam Acquires VeriScan Facial Recognition System

Pangiam has purchased the VeriScan facial recognition system created by Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), which is currently in use at Washington Dulles and Dallas-Fort Worth airports. Pangiam’s CEO, Kevin McAleenan, said, "VeriScan's cost-effective, easy-to-implement cloud application makes it accessible to all airports and airlines, and we expect to see increased adoption of this technology this year as travel resumes globally." Carriers using VeriScan include Emirates, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and United.

phocuswire | Related Brazil Launches Biometric Boarding Program With IDEMIA Tech – Find Biometrics

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Airport Sleep Lounges Prove Popular During COVID-19

As travelers seek private spaces in times of social distancing, sleep lounges at airports are a well-liked option. A survey conducted by Airport Dimensions revealed that spending on the company’s sleep ‘n fly lounges in the Gulf region is expected to increase. Occupancy rates at Doha and Dubai airport meet or exceed pre-COVID-19 levels, and both lounges have been booked for a total of 100,000 hours since opening in late 2020. Disinfection of the sleep pods is completed using nanotechnology-based disinfectants.

Pax International | Related Airport Dimensions smooths the passenger journey with launch of Connecta – Airport Dimensions

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

 
 

Valerie Silva looks back at the female board members who made APEX what it is today.

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

The last Emirates @Airbus A380 to be produced set out on its first flight from Toulouse to Hamburg where it will prepare to join our fleet in Dubai. #FlyEmiratesFlyBetter #EmiratesA380

Emirates Airline @emirates

 
 
 

Association News

United CEO Scott Kirby to Give Exclusive Interview at FTE APEX Virtual Expo

We are delighted to announce that Scott Kirby, CEO at United Airlines, is the first to join our airline CEO speaker lineup. Despite being in the role for just under a year, Kirby is already driving some big changes and investments that will be addressed during the interview. You won't want to miss it. Registration is coming soon! In the meantime, learn more about the new activities in store for this year's FTE APEX Virtual Expo.

 
 
 
 

> Quote of the Day

"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."

Alessandro DiGiovanna, Terry Steiner International
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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