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April 17, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

American Airlines Enhances In-Flight Experience

American Airlines is overhauling its onboard experience to improve comfort, reduce waste, and enhance style across all cabins. Premium cabin passengers will receive refreshed amenity kits with skincare products from various brands. The airline is also launching new bedding, pillows, and sleepwear to improve sleep quality, featuring dual-sided pillows, enhanced bedding options, and recycled materials. Dining options will be elevated, with new menu items and wines in premium cabins. Passengers on new and retrofitted aircraft can expect improved interiors.

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American Airlines Unveils Flagship Suite Preferred Seat

American Airlines has also announced the introduction of the Flagship Suite Preferred seat, a special product within its new long-haul business class. Available on the front row of select Boeing 787-9s and retrofitted 777-300ERs, these seats will offer a larger space with more storage areas and exclusive amenities, including a Nest Bedding mattress pad, throw blanket, memory foam lumbar pillow, Nest Bedding pajamas, and a skincare kit from Thirteen Lune by Joanna Vargas and Relevant. American has yet to announce the pricing for the Flagship Suite Preferred seat.

One Mile at a Time | Related American Airlines Introduces Larger 'Preferred' Front-row Seat – Travel and Leisure

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Boom Supersonic Receives Authorization To Conduct Supersonic Flight Tests

Boom Supersonic has received a Special Flight Authorization (SFA) from the FAA to conduct supersonic flight tests with its XB-1 demonstrator. This marks the first time the FAA has issued such an authorization. The supersonic phase of testing will take place in the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor and parts of the High Altitude Supersonic Corridor over the Mojave Desert. Before going supersonic, 10 to 20 subsonic test flights are planned, gradually increasing the speed with each successive test. The first three supersonic flights are expected to reach Mach 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3, respectively.

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Gatwick Airport Chooses Esri UK For New Map Data Platform

London Gatwick Airport has implemented Esri UK's Geographic Information System (GIS) to create a geospatial platform for better-informed construction projects and environmental impact assessment. The platform combines various data sources to create a digital map showing the location of buried assets and sensitive environmental areas. Simon Richardson, Gatwick's digital information lead, said the new GIS supports the airport's Master Plan, enabling faster and more informed decisions. The technology will allow for safer operations during the numerous engineering and construction projects taking place.

Airport Technology | Related London Gatwick creates geospatial mapping platform with Esri GIS – Passenger Terminal Today

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All British Airways Flights Now Available For Avios Plus £1

British Airways has extended its Avios part payment service, allowing all flights to be paid for by Avios plus a nominal £1. Previously, the maximum number of Avios used to discount the price varied based on factors like taxes and charges. Executive Club members with sufficient Avios can now pay for the total cost of any BA flight, less the £1 cash payment, or choose to use fewer Avios and pay a larger part in cash. The service is also available on select transatlantic flights operated by American Airlines and BA codeshare flights with certain partners.

Business Traveller | Related British Airways Unveils £1 Flight Option with Avios Part Payment for Executive Club Members – Breaking Travel News

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Riyadh Air Partners With Artefact To Innovate With Cutting-Edge Cloud And AI Technologies

Riyadh Air has partnered with Artefact to revolutionize the aviation industry through AI applications. The partnership will focus on building Riyadh Air's data analytics platform and developing AI solutions across its main business and corporate functions. These solutions will enable hyper-personalization of the guest experience, optimization of flight and ground operations, and the launch of targeted offerings through efficient sales channels. Abe Dev, Vice President Digital & Innovation at Riyadh Air, stated that the partnership signifies the airline's dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance guest experiences ahead of its maiden flight in 2025.

Future Travel Experience | Related Artefact & Riyadh Air Join Forces to Revolutionize Aviation Industry with AI – Artefact

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Touch Inflight Solutions Partners With Parrot Analytics To Deliver Data-Driven IFE Experiences

Touch Inflight Solutions has expanded its partnership with Parrot Analytics to deliver data-driven content strategies to its airline partners. By combining Touch's proprietary data on inflight passenger content preferences with Parrot Analytics' platform and capabilities, the collaboration will enable Touch to provide entertainment that aligns with passengers' evolving tastes. Touch gains access to a wide range of insights and data, including demand data, analysis capabilities, and proprietary context metrics. As Touch continues its expansion, partnering with global airlines, this collaboration will enhance its ability to understand and predict passenger preferences.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture from @yuji_747_hnd shows a Japan Airlines Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

✈️ Under 2 hours from NYC! Reindeer snack! 🦌 AY15 HEL-JFK #PaxEx #AvGeek

ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟᴢᴏʀᴋ @TravelZork

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

"Part of the magic of travel is connecting our customers to the people and experiences that matter most to them. We’re taking that concept to the skies by introducing a new, dynamic onboard program that’s inspired by feedback from our customers and team members."

Kim Cisek, American's VP of Customer Experience
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The next newsletter will be out 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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