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April 10, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Delta Splits Boarding Process Into 8 Numbered Zones

Delta Air Lines is rolling out changes to its boarding process starting May 1, in an attempt to streamline the experience for passengers and airport customer service agents. The carrier will switch from "branded boarding" to numbered zones, with "Zone 1" including Delta One and first-class customers, and "Zone 3" for Delta Comfort+ travelers. The boarding order itself will not change, but the numbered zones aim to make the process more intuitive, especially for travelers who do not fly frequently or have a language barrier.

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Cathay Pacific Reveals New Premium Economy Seats

Cathay Pacific revealed mock-ups of its new premium economy product, set to debut on upgraded Boeing 777-300ER aircraft alongside the new business class Aria suite. The cabin features a sophisticated color scheme, increased privacy with a winged headrest design, and upgraded tech, including larger 15.6-inch 4K IFE screens with Bluetooth pairing. While the seat dimensions remain unchanged, new storage options, sustainable dining elements, and partnerships with Disney+, HBO Max, and Paramount enhance the overall experience.

Business Traveller | Related Up close with Cathay's new premium economy seat – Executive Traveller

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Air New Zealand Trials Single-Use Cup Free Flights

Air New Zealand has trialled the removal of single-use cups on six domestic flights to explore waste reduction at 30,000 feet. The airline recently removed all single-use cups from its New Zealand lounges and is now targeting the nine million cups used annually on its aircraft. During the trial, customers were encouraged to bring a reusable cup or were provided with one for onboard service. Air New Zealand is setting new waste targets to support its work towards a more circular economy.

Future Travel Experience | Related Air New Zealand trials removal of single-use cups inflight – Business Traveller

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Hanwha Phasor Sees 2025 Market Entry For Constellation Agnostic ESA

Hanwha Phasor, a division of Korean aerospace and defense company Hanwha, aims to bring a multi-beam, multi-orbit, and "constellation agnostic" aero electronically steered antenna (ESA) to market in 2025. The Phasor A7700 will feature two receive beams and one transmit beam, allowing flexibility for customers to connect to different constellations simultaneously. Hanwha Phasor's ESA is unique in having two receive beams and being truly constellation agnostic, working with both GEO and LEO constellations. The company plans to begin the supplemental type certification process soon, focusing initially on the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.

Runway Girl Network | Related Airbus successfully flight tests Get SAT antenna for HBCplus – Runway Girl Network

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WestJet Unveils New Premium Economy Experience

WestJet is introducing Extended Comfort seats on its 737 and 787 flights, offering travelers an enhanced Economy cabin experience. The premium economy option includes additional legroom, priority boarding, early access to overhead bin storage, expedited deplaning, a designated area at the front of the Economy cabin, and a free alcoholic drink during the flight service. Guests can choose the Extended Comfort seat at any point during their travel process, with fees varying based on factors such as origin, destination, fare bundle, travel date, and seat location.

Travel And Tour World | Related WestJet is introducing a paid seat option that'll give you early access to overhead bins – Daily Hive

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USA Announces Government-Wide AI Policy

The United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is issuing its first government-wide policy to mitigate risks of artificial intelligence (AI) and harness its benefits. Federal agencies will be required to implement concrete safeguards when using AI. These safeguards include assessing, testing, and monitoring AI's impacts on the public, mitigating algorithmic discrimination risks, and providing transparency into how the government uses AI. The policy applies to various AI applications, including travel, where travelers will continue to have the ability to opt out of facial recognition without delay or losing their place in line.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Biden administration unveils new rules for federal government's use of artificial intelligence – USA Today

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Largest American Express Lounge In Nordic Region Opens At Stockholm Arlanda Airport

American Express' newly-renovated, double-sized lounge has opened at Stockholm Arlanda Airport's Terminal 5. With its almost 700sqm of Nordic-inspired design, the lounge is American Express' largest in the Nordic region. Scandinavian nature inspires the design, reflecting Nordic beauty in materials, colors, and furniture. Restaurateur Pontus Frithiof, who also runs La Girafe by Pontus Frithiof and the upcoming Little Italy at the Marketplace, will operate the lounge. The menu features traditional dishes like shrimp sandwiches, salmon salad, and various hot and vegetarian options.

Future Travel Experience | Related Amex Lounge By Pontus Frithiof Stockholm Arlanda Airport Reopens – One Mile at a Time

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @y.moto_1203, showing a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

2 straight domestic segments on #united with refreshed interiors. on the 737-800 its an upgrade and a downgrade. more on the upgrades. only loss was live TV (which wasnt on every frame anyways). but the IFE is a big boost #PaxEx #TravelerTales

Andrew Block @sabre1041

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

"While a simple change, Delta believes the move to numbered zones will simplify the boarding process for both our customers and our employees, adding clarity of sequence and improving the overall gate experience."

Delta Air Lines statement
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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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