Apex Daily Experience

No Images? Open in Browser

April 12, 2021

Go to APEX.AERO

Today's Top Stories

Norwegian’s Restructuring Plans Approved in Norway, Flyr Reveals Launch Date

In addition to approval in Ireland, Norwegian has now received approval for its reconstruction plans in Oslo County Court, meaning the carrier can prepare to raise new capital. The rulings in both countries will become final in May, once the capital raise is complete. Jacob Schram, Norwegian’s CEO, said, "I am grateful to work alongside so many colleagues that have shown such unwavering commitment and determination for us to succeed. At the same time, I wish to recognise the crucial support that we have received." Meanwhile, Norwegian startup airline Flyr will begin scheduled operations from Oslo on June 30, in line with the government’s plan to reopen the economy.

SHARE

Boeing Warns of Potential Electrical Issue on Some MAX Aircraft

On Friday, Boeing instructed 16 airlines to ground some of their 737 MAX aircraft due to a potential electrical issue. "The recommendation is being made to allow for verification that a sufficient ground path exists for a component of the electrical power system. We are working closely with the US Federal Aviation Administration on this production issue," said the OEM in a statement. Southwest has removed 30 of its 58 MAX aircraft from service, but spokesperson Brandy King said the carrier expected "minimal disruption." American Airlines revealed it has removed 17 of the type, but the remaining 24 were not affected. United has grounded 16 of its 30 737 MAXs, and Alaska has grounded all four of its 737 MAX 9s.

SHARE

Meal Service Banned on Short Domestic Flights in India

In a bid to curb COVID-19 infection rates, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has ordered that no in-flight meals be served on domestic flights less than two hours long from April 15. During domestic flights that are longer than 120 minutes, carriers will be allowed to serve pre-packaged meals if they provide passengers with disposable plates and cutlery. Tea, coffee and other beverages can be served in disposable bottles, cans and glasses, but there “will be no pouring services,” the order said. The MoCA has also asked cabin crew to wear new gloves for each meal or beverage service and to make announcements about the changes to keep passengers informed.

Hindustan Times | Related No in-flight meals on domestic flights under 2-hour duration, government orders airlines – Times of India

SHARE

AIM Altitude to Develop Single-Aisle Version of ARCA Galley System

AIM Altitude hopes to launch ARCA EVO, a single-aisle version of its ARCA galley system, at Aircraft Interiors Expo later this year. A spokesperson for the company, which is part of AVIC Cabin Systems, said ARCA EVO will open up “new possibilities regarding what can be done to maximize the customer’s LOPA [layout of passenger accommodations].” Although ARCA was designed pre-COVID-19 with a primary focus on sustainability, Ross Burns, AVIC Cabin Systems’ head of Industrial Design, believes the use of meal boxes rather than loose components on trays, and the fact that the boxes can double up as waste containers, “is hugely relevant in enhancing hygiene, helping crew and passengers to maintain social distancing and lessening the risk of infection.”

Runway Girl Network | Related AIM Altitude Designs a Galley to Match Emerging Onboard Service Trends – APEX Media

SHARE

Malaysia Airports Opts for Vision-Box Biometrics at KUL

Vision-Box is to implement its Orchestra digital identity management platform at Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KUL) Terminal 1 and 2 as part of Malaysia Airports’ Single Token Journey initiative, which aims to eliminate the need for passengers to physically present a boarding pass, relying instead on biometric recognition. Orchestra is certified by Privacy by Design, an accreditation for safeguarding personal and private information used in identity management services. “By implementing the Vision-Box Orchestra platform, KUL will be well-positioned to safely, securely and efficiently handle international passengers as a major hub in Asia,” said Miguel Leitmann, CEO, Vision-Box.

Travel Daily News Asia | Related Vision-Box and Airside partner on digital health passport app – ADS Advance

SHARE

ACCC Approves Alliance Airlines, Virgin Australia Partnership

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has approved an expanded partnership between Virgin Australia and Alliance Airlines that will enable the pair to coordinate operations across 41 regional domestic routes and two short-haul international routes until the end of March 2023. Under the carrier’s shift to new owners Bain Capital, Virgin Australia removed the ATR turboprops from its fleet, and said in its original application to the ACCC that its remaining 176-seat Boeing 737s were “not appropriate or cost efficient to operate a number of the relevant routes.” The carrier has said some of its 737s can now be redeployed on higher density routes in its domestic network.

Executive Traveller | Related Qantas Partners With Alliance Airlines, Secures New E190s – Airline Geeks

SHARE

NetForecast Names Rebecca Wetzel as President

Rebecca Wetzel has been appointed president at NetForecast. She will succeed the company’s founder and president, Peter Sevcik, who will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors and as a technical advisor for its new strategic initiatives. Most recently, Wetzel served as NetForecast’s director of Marketing, helping to design and deliver new services that measure and improve the performance of networked applications, and to audit the accuracy of Internet data usage meters. Previously, she helped launch BBN Planet, one of the world’s first commercial Internet service providers.

NetForecast | Related How to Measure the Quality of the In-Flight Connectivity Experience – APEX Media

SHARE

> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Vancouver International Airport. Captured by @alexis.avgeek.

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

> Tweet of the Day

60 years ago today, #YuriGagarin made the first human spaceflight and orbit of Earth, landing by parachute in a potato field having ejected from his capsule. From humble beginnings, he paved the way for others to follow. Happy 60th #CosmonauticsDay! #HumanSpaceFlight #YurisNight

Tim Peake @astro_timpeake

Association News

Discover the New Benefits for Premium Pass Holders at FTE APEX Virtual Expo

This year's FTE APEX Virtual Expo Premium Pass holders have access to three new features! A new meeting system will enable participants to schedule meetings with exhibitors weeks before the show begins. Automatic matchmaking will also be available: attendees will be able to specify their search preferences and the system will recommend people matching that criteria. Finally, group video calls will be possible alongside the chat rooms that support text and audio conversations. Learn more.

> Quote of the Day

“If a newsletter falls in an inbox, and nobody reads it, did it make a sound?”

Al St. Germain, Spafax
Read the article

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.

Connect with APEX

You have received this email because you are subscribed to this newsletter from apex.aero.

Change email frequency | Unsubscribe