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March 26, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Air New Zealand's 787 Revamp Adds Business Class Suites For Two

Air New Zealand's new Business Premier class will launch in October 2024 on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, replacing the 20-year-old 'sleeper shells' with a more conventional layout. The new seats offer greater privacy with sliding panels, storage space, wireless charging, and a 24" video screen with Bluetooth audio streaming. Four larger Business Premier Luxe suites in row 1 provide extra space and a companion seat for shared meals or activities. While Business Premier Luxe passengers will enjoy the same dining concept, the airline focused on providing more space based on customer feedback.

Executive Traveller | Related Air New Zealand partners with Starlink for onboard Wi-Fi – Airport Technology

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Virgin Atlantic Acquires All3Media International Content For IFE

Virgin Atlantic has acquired a range of new and returning drama and documentary programming from All3Media International for its in-flight entertainment (IFE) offering, including character-driven action thriller Boat Story and Story Films' gripping psychological thriller Captivated from Two Brothers Pictures. Global Inflight Sales Executive at All3Media International Emily Lawn said, "Whether passengers are looking to lose themselves in captivating thrillers, return to beloved cosy dramas or escape to stunning locations, we're proud to provide content that continues to enthral and entertain airline passengers."

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Boom Supersonic Completes First Flight Test Of XB-1 Demonstrator

Boom Supersonic has successfully completed the first flight test of its XB-1 supersonic demonstrator jet, marking a significant milestone in the development of the first commercial supersonic plane since Concorde. Piloted by Chief Test Pilot Bill Shoemaker and test pilot Tristan Brandenburg, the flight reached an altitude of 7,120ft and speeds of 238 knots/273mph, achieving all test objectives. The XB-1 testing is part of Boom's development of its Symphony engine system and Overture passenger jet, demonstrating key technologies such as supersonic intakes, aerodynamics, carbon fiber composites, and an augmented reality vision system.

Airport Technology | Related Boom Supersonic's prototype jet sets off on first flight – Popular Science

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Nearing Safety Clearance Iridium To Transform Pilot User Experience

Iridium has achieved key milestones in validating its global LEO satellite-powered next-gen Certus service for aircraft safety communications. With six Certus terminals approved and being installed on aircraft, Iridium is working towards receiving FAA clearance to support FANS-1/A. The end-to-end network meets the RCP 240 seconds performance standard, and Iridium aims to get TSO done by mid-2024, with flight trials by the end of the year. Certus will compete with Viasat London's portfolio in the next-gen safety services realm, supporting critical communications over oceans.

Runway Girl Network | Related Iridium CEO talks D2D and the firm's commitment to aero – Runway Girl Network

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Spafax's Arthur Cuyugan On Transitioning To Cloud-Based Infrastructure

Spafax's SVP Technical Services, Arthur Cuyugan, says that the company has been taking a considered approach during its transition to cloud-based technology. By keeping its operations "on-premises," Cuyugan noted that Spafax's offering meets the security requirements of both airlines and studios, while still offering the opportunity for ongoing scalability. "There's a misconception that by using the cloud we'll be processing content faster. That's not entirely the case. The critical benefit of cloud-based processing is that we can process an increased amount of content at the same time," he explained.

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TSA's Passenger Experience Survey Reveals High Traveler Confidence & Satisfaction

The TSA conducted a nationwide passenger experience survey in May 2023, collecting 13,449 responses at 16 airports. The survey aimed to gather customer experience data without affecting security procedures. TSA has established advancing customer experience as a priority goal and developed training for its screening workforce. Survey results showed that 93% of respondents were satisfied with their checkpoint experience, with professionalism, respect, and understanding of security procedures having a stronger impact on passenger confidence than wait times. TSA officers were seen as professional (95%) and respectful (95%), with 91% finding wait times reasonable.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related TSA survey reveals 93% of travelers satisfied with passenger experience – Nextgov/FCW

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Chicago To Consider Green Energy At O'Hare

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) will enter into an agreement with the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to study and incorporate renewable power technologies into O'Hare International Airport's new facilities, including the O'Hare Global Terminal and satellite concourses planned through the O'Hare 21 Terminal Area Plan. The agreement, not exceeding three years and $500,000 in consultant services, aligns with Chicago's history of implementing sustainable initiatives at its airports since 2003.

Airports International | Related National Renewable Energy Laboratory to explore sustainable energy options at Chicago O'Hare – Passenger Terminal Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @hessenflyer showing a Lufthansa Boeing 747 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Greetings from 5F in Premium Economy onboard this 1 year old @airvistara #A321neo LR - VT-TVH. Shout out for the engineering gentlemen who saw me clicking a photo of the fireproof ownership plate upon boarding and commented "Aap hi ho phir VT-VLO" 😂 Love it ! #PaxEx #AvGeek

VT-VLO @Vinamralongani

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

"I'm thrilled that this extensive, multi-genre slate of content will be joining the impressive Virgin Atlantic entertainment line-up."

Global Inflight Sales Executive at All3Media International Emily Lawn
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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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