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April 22, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Air New Zealand Reveals New 'Seats To Suit' On Short-Haul International

Air New Zealand is revamping its inflight offering and 'Seats to Suit' fares on short-range international flights from mid-June. The overhaul includes new flexible fares, the replacement of 'Seat+Bag' with a 'Seat' fare sans luggage, and the discontinuation of inflight snack purchases. Passengers on 'Seat' fares will receive a snack and inflight entertainment as standard. The changes aim to provide more choice and flexibility based on customer feedback. Drinks will still be available for purchase, but vouchers for entertainment, snacks, and drinks will no longer be offered on the ground.

Executive Traveller | Related Air New Zealand Reveals New Seats To Suit On Short-Haul International – Simple Flying

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Emirates President Writes Open Letter Following Dubai Flood Disruption

Emirates president Sir Tim Clark has apologized to customers after severe weather caused nearly 400 flight cancellations and numerous delays. Despite the Dubai hub remaining open, flooded roads impeded the movement of customers, staff, and essential supplies. Emirates prioritized assisting affected customers and restoring operations by suspending check-in, implementing a ticket sales embargo, and temporarily halting connecting passenger traffic. The airline provided hotel rooms, meal vouchers, and other amenities to disrupted customers.

Business Traveller | Related Dubai airport chaos: Emirates boss writes open letter after hundreds of thousands passengers stranded – The Independent

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Qantas To Offer Fast, Free Wi-Fi On Flights To Asia

Qantas plans to offer fast free Wi-Fi on flights to Asia by the end of the year, with satellite Internet technology being added to its international Airbus A330 jets. Flights to New Zealand, the Pacific, Europe, and the USA will follow, along with non-stop Project Sunrise A350 flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York in late 2026. Qantas will upgrade its A330, Boeing 787, and A380 fleets to allow high-bandwidth Wi-Fi using the combined Inmarsat and Viasat networks. Some international flights already have Wi-Fi, but only over Australia.

Executive Traveller | Related Qantas Adding Fast & Free Viasat Wi-Fi On International Flights – One Mile at a Time

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Fiji Airways Invests In New AI Technology To Enhance Operational Efficiency

Fiji Airways has partnered with Assaia to acquire its TurnaroundControl solution, aiming to optimize operational performance and provide a seamless travel experience for passengers. The tool, powered by computer vision event detection technology, allows airlines and ground handlers to monitor, manage, and optimize turnaround operations efficiently. Fiji Airways' operational team will be able to track and manage all turnarounds closely, with live videos facilitating real-time monitoring and decision-making. The integration of Assaia's TurnaroundControl aligns with Fiji Airways' commitment to delivering the highest standards of service and providing an exceptional travel experience for all customers.

Future Travel Experience | Related Fiji Airways invests in new AI powered State-of-the-art technology to enhance Operational Efficiency – Fiji Airways

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IMG's Sport 24 To Broadcast EURO 2024 Across Flights And Cruises

IMG's inflight and in-ship live sports channel, Sport 24, has secured a deal with UEFA to broadcast the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. Sport 24 and its secondary channel Sport 24 Extra will show over 50 games live on airlines and cruise ships worldwide. The tournament, taking place in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024, will be the third consecutive edition broadcast on the channel. The UEFA EURO is the latest addition to Sport 24's extensive live football coverage, which includes the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and the AFC Asian Cup.

Insider Sport | Related UEFA EURO 2024 Lands On Sport 24 – Sport 24

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Manchester Airport Launches New Baggage System

Manchester Airport has installed a new state-of-the-art baggage system in Terminal 2 as part of its £1.3 billion Transformation Programme. The one-of-a-kind system, built by Vanderlande, features over two miles of conveyor belts and can process 3,000 bags per hour. From 2025, Terminal 2 will serve around 70% of the airport's passengers. The multi-million-pound machine ensures seamless service, with bags taking an average of 10 minutes to travel through the system before being loaded onto aircraft. The maximum distance a bag could travel from check-in to being taken onto an aircraft is 582 m.

Future Travel Experience | Related Schiphol introduces real-time baggage waiting time information – Passenger Terminal Today

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Jet2.com Signs Deal With Shell For SAF Use At London Stansted

Jet2.com will begin using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at London Stansted after signing an agreement with Shell Aviation for 650 tonnes of the fuel. The airline has already announced plans to use a 1% blended version of SAF for flights from Bristol Airport this year, bringing its total purchases to around 1,000 tonnes. Jet2.com CEO Steve Heapy sees SAF as critical for industry decarbonization and views the 1% blend as a starting point, aiming to increase usage over the coming years. The investment aligns with Jet2.com's commitment to reaching net zero by 2050 and prepares for the UK Government's incoming SAF mandate.

Airport Technology | Related Jet2 to use SAF blend on flights from London Stansted – Business Traveller

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture from @danjet__, shows a TUI Airlines Belgium Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Such a breeze departing from #Terminal4 at @ChangiAirport , always. All other terminals should have the same central security screening and hassle-free scanning systems. #paxex #airportexperience

Zang THIO @zang_thio

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 want every customer to have an exceptional experience onboard. Part of our promise is to provide manaaki [hospitality and care] to all who fly with us, so we're excited that everyone onboard will now be treated to full inflight entertainment. Seat-only customers will now also be offered one of our incredible new snack options too."

Jeremy O'Brien, General Manager Short Haul, Air New Zealand
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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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