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March 26, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Airbus Launches Travel Companion App

Airbus has created a new airport-, airline- and aircraft-agnostic application, Tripset, based on its iflyA380 app architecture. Tripset aggregates passengers’ flight details with information about relevant travel restrictions and health requirements. App users can view two interfaces, one showing currently available flights and one showing the destinations to which they can fly. Once a ticket is purchased, the app provides passengers with information on what to expect at their departure and arrival destinations. Tripset is part of Airbus’ commitment to helping the public to maintain trust in air travel and encourage economic recovery from COVID-19.

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Nancy Walker Joins Global Eagle

Nancy Walker, who most recently served as SmartSky Networks’ chief commercial officer, has been appointed as SVP Commercial, Aviation Connectivity at Global Eagle. In her new position, Walker will lead sales and account management for Global Eagle’s in-flight connectivity portfolio. Global Eagle’s CEO, Josh Marks, said, “We are delighted to welcome Nancy to our innovative team as we prepare to emerge from Chapter 11 and continue to focus our business on connectivity and media solutions for mobility end-markets.” Walker has over 25 years’ aviation experience and has also held senior roles at Leonardo DRS and Thales.

Global Eagle | Related Newly restructured Global Eagle eyes aviation market opportunities – Runway Girl Network

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AA Outlines its 2021 IFE Content Strategy

American Airlines (AA) has offered a behind-the-scenes look at how it chooses in-flight entertainment (IFE) content for its 800+ aircraft. Each month, it updates around 30% of the content, representing over 200 hours of the total 675 hours of IFE available on each jet. That’s when the IFE team will choose from a shortlisted selection of movies and documentaries from the major studios created by content service provider, Spafax. Looking forward, AA is planning more themed channels to honor upcoming heritage months, such as LGBT Pride in June. Additionally, it is looking to add more Hebrew and Israeli-themed content in preparation for new flights to Tel Aviv.

The Points Guy | Related Take-off on a Reading Journey with American Airlines and Apple Books – American Airlines

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Auditorium Films Positive About Future of Performing Arts Content

Despite COVID-19, distributor of performing arts audiovisual content Auditorium Films has a catalog of hundreds of concerts that have not been distributed before from artists such as Jamiroquai, Arctic Monkeys, Mika and more. Natalie Gomez, who works in International Content Distribution at Auditorium Films, said COVID-19 “has pushed the industry to be more creative … As long as this continues, we can expect a brighter future for content moving forward.” Auditorium Films represents subscription video on demand music service Qwest TV by Quincy Jones, and had begun curating “Qwest TV corners” on airlines such as Emirates before the pandemic.

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Finnair Shows Formal Interest in Heart Aerospace Electric Aircraft

Finnair has signed a Letter of Interest signaling that it could acquire up to 20 of Heart Aerospace's Electric ES-19 aircraft for use on its short-haul routes. The 19-seat jets are currently in development and expected to be available for commercial flights from 2026. Since 2019, Finnair has been working together with Heart Aerospace as part of the Nordic Network for Electric Aviation, with a focus on standardizing electric air infrastructure in the Nordic countries, among other things. The carrier is committed to halving its net CO₂emissions by the end of 2025 and achieving carbon neutrality in 2045.

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British Airways to Provide First-Class Dining for Home Delivery

British Airways (BA), Feast Box and Do and Co have created “a limited-edition travel-inspired recipe box” for home delivery designed to mirror BA’s first-class dining experience. Launching next week, each $110 kit includes all the ingredients for a four-course menu for two – there are meat, fish and vegetarian options available – a recipe sheet and an information card in the form of a passport. With each order, diners will receive a bottle of Hattingley Valley English sparkling wine, which is made exclusively for BA and currently served in its first-class cabin. They will also get a 10% discount on any new flight booking with BA over $275.

Business Traveller | Related BRITISH AIRWAYS STARTS TO TRIAL COVID-19 DOCUMENT CERTIFICATION ON BA.COM – British

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Thales and Inetum Roll Out ABC Gates Across Spanish Airports

Thales and Inetum installed more than 45 automatic border control (ABC) gates across Valencia and Bilbao airports, enabling facial recognition and automatic document verification. Thales was responsible for the identity verification and smart access control, while Inetum implemented manual verifiers and the real-time monitoring system. The gates have been operational since July 2020, and the two companies are currently deploying 36 ABC gates at Fuerteventura Airport. “We are proud to support the work of the National Police and [airport operator] AENA by creating a safe and agile airport environment without compromising the traveler experience,” said Jesús Sánchez Bargos, CEO, Thales Spain.

Business Wire | Related France chooses Thales’ biometric kiosks to meet EU border check directive – Biometric Update

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

In this #APEXExperienceMag story, Stephanie Taylor delves into PriestmanGoode's vision for a plastic-free airline meal service.

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

As we plan for the coming months, our restart agenda will be pivotal to Canada’s economic recovery. Our President and CEO, Ed Sims, is sharing the cautious optimism we’re feeling as we look ahead, and why the best of #WestJet is still to come.

WestJet@WestJet

Association News

Have You Applied for the IFSA Foundation Scholarship?

Last year, the IFSA Foundation awarded 30 scholarships totalling $141,106 and, since its inception, it has awarded over $1.3M in scholarships to more than 275 recipients across the globe. The IFSA Foundation 2021 scholarship application cycle is now open! Apply now.

> Quote of the Day

"People are looking for content that will give them a chance to enjoy things vicariously that they can’t currently do while in lockdown."

Judy Barlow, APT Worldwide
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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