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April 5, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Alaska Air Receives $160M Compensation from Boeing

During the first quarter of this year, Boeing paid Alaska Air (Alaska) approximately $160 million to compensate for the temporary grounding of its 737 MAX 9 jets after one of the type experienced a mid-air cabin panel blowout in January. As a result, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded 171 737 MAX 9s for about three weeks. The payment is equivalent to lost profits for the quarter. Alaska’s CEO Ben Minicucci said its 2024 capacity plans are in flux due to 737 MAX production rates falling sharply since the incident, but revealed “February and March both finished above our original pre-grounding expectations.”

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Atlântico Press to Enter Wireless IFE Market in Partnership with PXCom

At the 2024 APEX Content Market in Lisbon, Sales Manager at Atlântico Press Helena Cabral spoke about the company’s plans to launch its own wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) offering, AP Play, in partnership with PXCom. “We believe that IFE should be refreshed more quickly, with content adjusting all the time to the topics and trends of the market. Our experience in managing content for TV channels, where current affairs and the latest trends are the norm, can benefit the industry,” she explained. Atlântico Press is currently in discussions with three African carriers.

APEX Insights | Related Air Tahiti turns to PXCom for wireless IFE on ATR turboprops – Runway Girl Network

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Frontier Crew Demand Contract Changes in line with New Business Model

President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Sara Nelson has written to Frontier’s CEO Barry Biffle regarding the carrier’s new operational model. Frontier plans to increase its proportion of out-and-back flying, which constituted 50 percent of its business last November, to account for 90% of its services during the first half of 2024. Nelson is calling for immediate contractual changes on the basis that “The changed business model includes changes not contemplated in the collective bargaining agreement and impacts all aspects of a flight attendant's work life,” including where they can live.

Travel Weekly | Related Frontier rolls out new business fare that includes seat selection, carry-on bag – The Points Guy

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Cathay Pacific Further Teases 777 Premium Economy-Class Seat

A teaser video for Cathay Pacific’s third-generation premium economy-class seat, which will be revealed in Hong Kong on April 8 and installed on the carrier’s Boeing 777s by mid-2024, hints at more of its features. The seats appear to have a generous recline and winged headrests, which will offer passengers more comfort and privacy while sleeping. Also visible is a fold-down holder for personal electronic devices beneath a 4K resolution 15.6-inch seatback screen. Cathay Pacific has said passengers in premium economy will benefit from Bluetooth audio streaming.

Executive Traveller | Related Cathay Pacific Unveils New Boeing 777 Aria Suites And Premium Economy – Simple Flying

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Reward Flights now Harder to Access, says Ideaworks Company

A new report from IdeaWorksCompany revealed that reward redemptions are getting more expensive than paid-for tickets, with reward ticket prices increasing 28 percent since 2019, over seven points above inflation across the same period. It suggests that the rise in basic economy tickets has made it more difficult for travelers to accrue points or miles, which are restricted on the cheapest fares. The report also acknowledged that the majority of mileage accrual now comes from co-branded credit cards, which provides airlines with billions in revenue each year.

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Thales Acquires Cobham Aerospace Communications

Thales has completed its acquisition of cockpit safety communication and connectivity systems supplier Cobham Aerospace Communications, thereby strengthening its avionics portfolio. Cobham Aerospace Communications CEO Nicolas Bonleux said, “Joining Thales is a great opportunity … to continue innovating in cutting-edge avionics products and growing the business. We are ready to embrace the upcoming revolution in aircraft connectivity and communication, and eager to invent a sustainable aerospace future together.”

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Hamilton International Airport to Install SITA Check-In, Boarding Solutions

A new agreement with SITA will see Canada’s Hamilton International Airport introduce 28 common-use passenger processing workstations for airline staff across check-in and boarding, and four TS6 common-use self-service kiosks. This partnership is the sixth between SITA and key Canadian airports, which resulted in over 700 kiosks and 2,000 workstations being deployed in 2023. The growing uptake of SITA’s solutions in Canada follows a commitment by the Canadian Airports Council to “the adoption of innovations to streamline the traveler journey” in 2022.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture shows a Turkish Airlines 737 MAX 8 departing Billund Airport. Via @niclashco Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

🚨 Only 2 weeks left to submit your nominations for the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards! ✈️ Recognize individuals, organizations & initiatives that have contributed to improving #diversity and #inclusion in #aviation.

IATA @IATA

Association News

APEX Announces Exclusive Partnership with PCIAW at Global EXPO

An exclusive new partnership between the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW) and the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) will see the inclusion of a professional clothing pavilion at APEX / IFSA Global EXPO, which is taking place from October 28-30 in Long Beach, California. The partnership will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about innovations in the professional clothing supply chain for the first time.

> Quote of the Day

“Toulon Hyères airport is a perfect illustration of the decarbonisation policy rolled out by VINCI Concessions since 2016 in all its airports worldwide. We are proud that it has reached net zero emissions for its direct activities.”

Nicolas Notebaert, Chairman, VINCI Airports
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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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