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April 19, 2022

Florida Judge Rules to Lift US Travel Mask Mandate

A U.S. judge has overturned the federal mandate for passengers to cover their faces on board aircraft and trains, prompting quick responses from airlines. United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines will no longer require travelers or employees to wear face coverings on domestic and some international flights. The carriers all said that they would also not require the use of masks in lounges, at boarding gates or elsewhere in airports, effective immediately. However, American Airlines clarified that “face masks may still be required based on local ordinances, or when traveling to/from certain international locations based on country requirements.”

Executive Traveller | Related Airlines call on White House to lift mask mandate on travel – NBC News

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Air France Launches CO2 Emissions Reduction Strategy

Air France has launched its new CO2 emissions reduction strategy, “Air France ACT.” The strategy builds on earlier commitments and aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 percent per passenger/km by 2030 compared to 2019, a reduction of 12 percent in absolute terms. The strategy focuses on reducing scope 1,2 and 3 emissions and supporting carbon sequestration projects, and includes five priority actions, including fleet renewal with new-generation aircraft; using 10 percent sustainable aviation fuel on all flights by 2030 and 63 percent by 2050; eco-piloting techniques; more responsible catering; and developing intermodal transport, including a reinforced partnership with rail operator SNCF.

Business Traveller | Related Birmingham Airport’s ‘Flight to Net Zero’ takes off – International Airport Review

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3Gem Unveils Interactive Audience Platform CONNECT

Research and insight agency 3Gem has unveiled CONNECT, an interactive audience platform for airlines that will allow passengers to leave “in the moment” opinions and feedback on what they are watching. CONNECT acts as an overlay on the entertainment screen, with one or more question-and-answer options for passengers. The platform offers various options such as encouraging passengers to rank what they are watching, completing customer satisfaction surveys, and offering opportunities for passengers to interact with advertisers by giving feedback on ads or requesting more information on a product or service being advertised.

Inflight Online | Related Press Release: Finnair selects Panasonic for widebody IFE upgrade – Runway Girl Network

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Emirates to Launch NFTs and Metaverse Experiences

Emirates has announced that it will be launching both collectible and utility-based non-fungible tokens (NFT) and other Metaverse experiences in the next few months. Additionally, Emirates has announced plans to repurpose its Emirates Pavilion at the Expo 2020 site into an innovation center for projects relating to the Metaverse, NFTs and Web3. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airlines and group, said, “We are excited about opportunities in the digital space of the future and are committing a significant investment in financial and resourcing terms to develop products and services using advanced technologies.”

Luxury Launches | Related Air Europa to launch world’s first NFT flight – Future Travel Experience

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Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft Makes First Flight Between Commercial Airports

German technology developer H2FLY’s HY4 demonstrator has made the first-ever trip between two commercial airports by a hydrogen-powered electric aircraft. The HY4 demonstrator aircraft flew 124km from Stuttgart to Friedrichshafen airport on April 12. The four-seat aircraft then reached a record-high altitude of 7,230ft (2.2km) the following day “no other hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft has flown between two commercial airports to date. We are also thrilled to have set what we believe to be a new world record by reaching an altitude of over 7,000ft with our HY4 aircraft,” said chief executive Josef Kallo.

Recharge News | Related ZeroAvia and ZEV Station partner on airport hydrogen refuelling stations – Airport Technology

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Clear Expands Biometric Technology to Palm Springs Airport

Clear has announced that it has deployed its biometric identity verification technology at Palm Spring International Airport (PSP), ahead of Coachella Music Festival. Clear’s touchless identity verification identifies individuals using face and iris biometrics at a kiosk. After verification, a Clear ambassador moves members through the dedicated lane and directly to TSA security, speeding passengers through airport lines. The partnership with PSP adds to Clear’s list of airport clients, with the company announcing contracts or tests at airports in Los Angeles, Seattle, Newark, Charleston, Orlando, and Calgary.

Biometric Update | Related Spirit Airlines launches facial scans at Hartsfield-Jackson – The Atlanta Journal Constitution

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XpresSpa Group Launches Treat at PHX

Health and wellness company XpresSpa Group has announced the opening of Treat at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the brand’s second brick-and-mortar location. Located in terminal 4, Treat offers access to various travel-related health and wellness services, including pre-travel health services such as diagnostic testing (including Covid-19, flu, UTI, and STI) and virtual wellness services, including self-guided yoga, meditation, and exercise training. Treat's platform provides travelers with a health wallet, an online marketplace of health and wellness products and relevant health and wellness content to help travelers access information that could impact their travel.

Globe Newswire | Related XpresSpa Group Announces the Release of the Treat Mobile App – Globe Newswire

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-212 at Istanbul Atatürk Airport. Captured by @buchroeder.photography

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

> Tweet of the Day

The emergence of new aircraft seating manufacturers is helping enhance the #PaxEx with fresh ideas. Quantum from AliceBlu Aero is a new lie-flat business class seat designed to offer passengers more space and comfort on narrow-body aircrafts. ✈💺👉 https://bit.ly/37gtCpB

RedCabin @RedCabin_Events

Association News

Save the Date: APEX TECH

APEX TECH is nearly one month away! The event, sponsored by Panasonic, will take place on May 18 in Irvine, California. Part two of the event will be on how the delivery of content is changing and will include cloud-based workflows, portable wireless entertainment solutions, edge-catching as an IFE solution, the integration of IFE and C, and what’s new in the world of codecs. Visit the full TECH schedule page for more details and Click here to register for TECH.

> Quote of the Day

“Decarbonising aviation will be difficult and will take time. This process relies on close cooperation between the different stakeholders: aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers, fuel suppliers, airports, air traffic control, public authorities, research institutes and academia.”

Air France
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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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