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April 9, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Cathay Pacific Eyes New A350 Business Class

Cathay Pacific is planning a mid-life refresh for its A350 business class, considering options such as aligning with the new 777 Aria Suites and premium economy seat. The timeline is still being determined due to pandemic-induced delays in the delivery schedule. Vivian Lo, Cathay's General Manager of Customer Experience and Design, explained that the airline has a clear product lifecycle strategy, planning for the entire lifetime of their aircraft. The first A350 arrived in 2016, and the refit plans give Cathay a chance to explore the best options available, whether building on existing products or introducing a new generation that aligns with future aircraft.

Executive Traveller | Related Cathay to remove first class from 777-300ERs – Executive Traveller

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SAS To Leave Star Alliance By The End Of August

SAS has announced its departure from the Star Alliance at the end of August, following the airline's restructuring and Air France-KLM's stake in the Scandinavian carrier. The transition to SkyTeam will begin on September 1, 2024, with SAS EuroBonus members enjoying loyalty benefits similar to those offered by most SkyTeam airlines from that date. SAS is currently in advanced negotiations with SkyTeam and its member carriers to develop and grow extensive commercial relationships. The airline has worked closely with both Star Alliance and SkyTeam over the last six months to ensure a smooth transition for customers and EuroBonus members.

Business Traveller | Related Scandinavian Airlines Joining SkyTeam, Getting Air France-KLM Investment – One Mile at a Time

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Chinese eVTOL Maker EHang Steps Closer To Production

EHang, a Guangzhou-based eVTOL and UAM company, has been granted a "Production Certificate" in China for its pilotless passenger aircraft, the EH216-S. This validation, issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), follows the craft's Type Certification and Standard Airworthiness Certificate. The Production Certificate indicates that EHang has established a mass production quality management system that meets the CAAC's airworthiness regulatory requirements, authorizing the company for continued mass production. The CAAC's airworthiness division visited EHang's eVTOL production sites in Guangzhou to validate the quality, production, testing, and after-sales processes for the aircraft.

Airport Technology | Related Ehang wins 1st production certificate for eVTOL aircraft – Global Times

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Anuvu SVP Estibaliz Asiain On Content Trends Driving IFE

Passengers' post-pandemic content consumption habits reflect a growing interest in short-form, international, and independent content on in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. Anuvu, a major content service provider, has observed this trend, with movies like "Everything Everywhere All at Once" from independent entertainment company A24 enjoying significant popularity worldwide, including in-flight. This shift presents an opportunity for airlines and CSPs to curate niche content for IFE, alongside mainstream Hollywood fare, while also benefiting from the generally lower licensing costs of foreign and independent titles.

Runway Girl Network | Related Anuvu now targeting mid-2024 for MicroGEO satellite launch – Runway Girl Network

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Qantas Updates Charges For Extra Legroom Seats

Qantas has announced minor increases in fees for selecting extra legroom seats on domestic and international flights, with a significant update concerning the strategic travelers familiar with the 'T-80 rule.' Starting from April 18, the coveted row 4 seats on the Boeing 737 will be categorized as extra legroom seats, incurring additional fees ranging from $35 to $70 based on the flight's length. However, Platinum One and Chairman's Lounge members will not be subject to these new charges and will maintain early access to these seats.

Travel And Tour World | Related Qantas revamps extra legroom charges – Executive Traveller

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New International Security Checkpoint Opens At Boston Logan

A new international passenger security checkpoint, E3, has opened at Boston Logan International Airport as part of an $800 million Terminal E renovation project. The checkpoint features seven new screening lanes with computed tomography (CT) scanners, improving security, efficiency, and passenger throughput. TSA officers began screening passengers at the new checkpoint on April 3. The CT scanners allow travelers to keep electronics and travel-size liquids in their carry-on luggage during screening. The E2 checkpoint will serve as an overflow checkpoint during heavy volume periods.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Self-service TSA screening is being tested in Las Vegas – USA Today

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Expands Dining Options For Travellers

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has welcomed the opening of Atlanta-based Tropical Smoothie Cafe, completing the expansion of Concourse T. The new dining area, led by Paradies Lagardère, offers travelers quick, convenient, and healthy options such as smoothies, bowls, wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads, and quesadillas. The cafe's layout prioritizes convenience and interaction with an open kitchen and central ordering. The location features curved eating counters wrapping around the open kitchen, and a central ordering and point-of-service location with various grab-n-go and made-to-order options.

Future Travel Experience | Related Tropical Smoothie Cafe opens at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport Concourse T – Passenger Terminal Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @nk6787_aviation_, showing a Capital Airlines Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Great intra-European experience on board #Austrian this weekend on the day they marked 65 years of flying to #Belgrade. On-time, nice crew, and complimentary Wi-Fi. A few things their parent #Lufthansa could learn from #austrianairlines #paxex

Luka Popovic @lukapop90

Association News

Celebration of Life Confirmed for Industry Journalist, Tomás Romero

Following the publication of industry journalist Tomás Romero's obituary in February, APEX can announce that his Celebration of Life will take place at American Legion Post 43 in Los Angeles from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM on April 28, 2024. Parking is limited; ride sharing is encouraged for in-town guests.To RSVP, please email Tomás’ brother, Ryan Romero.

> Quote of the Day

"We have a very clear product lifecycle strategy where we plan for the whole lifetime of our aircraft, from acquisition (and) the first product, and when we scheduled to do the next generation of retrofitted redesigned products."

Vivian Lo, Cathay's General Manager of Customer Experience & Design
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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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