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March 29, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

More Airlines Initiate Health Passport Trials

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde GebreMariam said that digitization will solve many problems created by the pandemic. As a result, the airline is integrating IATA Travel Pass to help travelers comply with entry requirements, as well as manage and verify the authenticity of health credentials. Virgin Atlantic is also implementing the IATA platform on flights from London to Barbados beginning April 16, and will launch a trial of TrustAssure today, enabling US-bound customers to validate COVID-19 results via smartphone.

travel daily news | Related Virgin Atlantic To Test IATA Travel Pass and TrustAssure – Travel Pulse

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Facial Recognition Coming Soon at Narita and Tokyo Airports

Curb-to-gate facial recognition will be integrated at Narita and Tokyo international airports in July, after a soft launch beginning April 13. The airport operators dubbed the service Face Express and created an accompanying logo to easily convey the One ID concept to customers. Once travelers register for the service online, they can move through check-in, bag drop, security checkpoints and boarding gates without needing to show their passport or boarding pass. The airports are keen to reduce touchpoints and infection risks via Face Express.

passenger terminal today | Related IATA One ID: A deep dive into the interoperability challenge – International Airport Review

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FlightPlath3D Optimistic About Aviation’s Recovery

During the first quarter of this year, FlightPath3D’s install base surpassed 3,000 aircraft. “We're optimistic about the market and expect to surpass 4,000 aircraft within a year,” said the company’s president, Duncan Jackson. “We’re seeing some of our customers in Asia and Oceania flying close to their 2019 passenger numbers for domestic flights.” In response to pent up travel demand as a result of COVID-19, FlightPath3D is also creating data-led applications to help passengers find flights, routes and destinations based on their personal profiles the type of travel experience they desire.

FlightPlath3D | Related FlightPath3D Adds 50,000 Points of Interest to Moving Map – APEX Media

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SITA’s Digital Lost and Found Platform Saves Resources

When passengers mistakenly leave items behind after their flight, it can cost airlines up to $95 to manage the return of each object to the owner. SITA is digitizing the process through a new AI solution, WorldTracer Lost and Found Property. The company promises a 90% cost reduction on adoption of the system, which uses computer vision to match customer descriptions of their lost item with the found items currently in inventory. The item’s owner can then pay for repatriation using a mobile device. The technology is based on the three-decade old WorldTracer mishandled baggage portal used in 2,200 airports worldwide.

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Muirhead Partners with Polygiene to Create Antibacterial Leather

Muirhead, one of Europe’s oldest tanneries and a venerable aircraft seat leather supplier, has introduced a new product that actively eliminates bacteria and viruses. The leather is coated with Polygiene ViralOff, which can break down the COVID-19 virus within two hours of initial surface contact. “The team at Muirhead are working closely with airlines, design studios and aircraft manufacturers to create interiors solutions for the future of travel and transportation,” said Archie Browning, sales director at Muirhead.

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Smiths Detection Expands Footprint with LHR, KWI

Heathrow Airport (LHR) granted Smiths Detection the opportunity to install its equipment at security checkpoints later this year. Smiths will implement an end-to-end solution comprising its HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX X-ray baggage scanner, Checkpoint.Evo centralized screening ops platform and iLane automatic bin return system. Meanwhile, Kuwait International Airport’s (KWI) Terminal 2, which is still under construction, will feature 70 Hi-SCAN 6040 CTiX machines. These advanced scanners allow travelers to leave liquids and electronic devices in their bags during the security screening.

Smiths Detection | Related Smiths Detection to supply checkpoint security screening equipment to Kuwait International Airport – Smiths Detection

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Airbus Explores Impact of Super Cold Temps on Electronics

As part of its decarbonization efforts, Airbus launched “Advanced Superconducting and Cryogenic Experimental powertraiN Demonstrator” (ASCEND) to evaluate the energy-saving potential of liquid hydrogen and superconducting materials used in electrical propulsion systems. At -423 degrees, liquid nitrogen can lower electrical resistance and, in turn, energy loss. Airbus will build a ground demonstrator to prove the concept over the next three years at its E-Aircraft System House.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

"Though there are likely to be fewer 747s in the skies, it will always be remembered for it’s beautiful lines and graceful shadow." Captured by @lairdkay via Instagram.

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

> Tweet of the Day

We just took off to our first flight to Tokyo since the beginning of the pandemic. This means a lot to us, as you can see from what our crew has put together on their own initiative. 🇯🇵❤️🇦🇹

Austrian Airlines @_austrian

Association News

APEX/IFSA Calls for the Return of Open International Air Travel

This week, APEX/IFSA joined leading airline voices in asking the White House for a return plan for international air travel by May 1. As stated in the letter: “We strongly urge the COVID-19 response team and relevant [federal] agencies to partner with airlines, airports, unions, hotels, theme parks and other key stakeholders to develop a data-driven, risk-based roadmap for reopening international travel. [It] should be finalized before May 1, 2021, so that a plan is in place to reopen by the summer of 2021 if vaccine distribution and epidemiological trends continue in a positive direction.”

> Quote of the Day

"2020 has pushed the industry to be more creative. Producers are reinventing themselves and working around restrictions to bring new content and new formats."

Natalie Gomez, Auditorium Films
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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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