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April 24, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

US Mandates New Airline Fee Disclosure & Refund Rules

The US Transportation Department is finalizing rules requiring airlines to disclose fees upfront and mandate refunds for delayed baggage or inoperative services. The rules, nearly 3 years in the works, will save consumers about $543 million annually in excess airline fees. Airlines must disclose extra service fees alongside the full fare, refund baggage fees for delayed deliveries, and promptly issue refunds for canceled flights. Airlines will also be required to explain fee policies before ticket purchases and share pricing with fare-displaying companies. Carriers cannot advertise promotional discounts without including mandatory fees.

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WestJet Buys First SAF Supplied In Canada From Shell

Canadian airline WestJet has acquired the first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied in Canada by Shell Aviation, marking a milestone in the airline's mission to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel, meeting certification and safety requirements without requiring new investments in aircraft engines or infrastructure. Shell Aviation uses Avelia, a blockchain-powered digital SAF book-and-claim solution, to provide transparent tracking of the environmental attributes of SAF delivered into the aviation fueling network. WestJet takes pride in being the first to acquire SAF from Shell Aviation in Canada.

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Harbour Air Signs To Electrify Beaver Seaplane Fleet

Canada's Harbour Air Seaplanes plans to electrify its De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beavers and offer the propulsion conversion to other operators. The company has signed a letter of intent with MagniX to purchase 50 magni650 electric engines. Harbour Air and MagniX collaborated on the first fully electric flight by a commercial aircraft in December 2019, and the ePlane 1.0 prototype has logged 78 flights. Harbour Air aims to achieve Canadian and U.S. certification for the Beaver conversion by 2026, after which it will retrofit its fleet and offer the conversion to customers.

Aviation Week Network | Related Harbour Air on target to electrify fleet with deal for 50 magniX powered engines – AeroTime

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Muirhead Promotes Accessibility With Neurodiverse-Friendly Seat Covers

Muirhead, a Scottish aviation leather supplier, has unveiled Sensation, a collection of neurodiverse-friendly aircraft seat covers featuring a calming monochromatic palette and bespoke leather embosses. The company collaborated with a disability consultancy and neurodivergent individuals to create a multi-sensory experience that provides comfort and security for neurodivergent travelers, who often have heightened sensitivities. Muirhead will showcase Sensation at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, aiming to inspire designers envisioning people-focused aircraft cabins. The company now offers completed seat covers to the industry, simplifying the supply chain.

Runway Girl Network | Related Muirhead to showcase neurodiverse-friendly aircraft seat covers at AIX 2024 – PAX International

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Wizz Air Launches Online Shopping Platform In Partnership With InterLnkd

Wizz Air has launched WIZZ SHOP&FLY, a first-of-its-kind online shopping platform developed in partnership with InterLnkd, to provide personalized recommendations to passengers ahead of their flights. The fully integrated e-commerce store allows Wizz Air passengers to browse and purchase fashion, beauty, and retail products for home delivery before their flight. The platform utilizes InterLnkd's AI solution to analyze customers' post-booking shopping habits and destinations, curating personalized product recommendations to ensure passengers are fully prepared for their travels.

Future Travel Experience | Related Wizz Air partners with InterLnkd to launch intelligent shopping platform – Breaking Travel News

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Aeroporti Di Roma & Too Good To Go Partner To Reduce Food Waste

Aeroporti di Roma has partnered with Too Good To Go, a social impact company and marketplace for surplus food, to raise awareness about food waste and implement surplus food recovery projects at Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. The partnership will involve 32 food venues offering 'Surprise Bags' at special prices, aiming to save 12,000 meals and reduce CO2 emissions, water usage, and land use by the end of 2024. Passengers departing from these airports will have the opportunity to purchase the 'Surprise Bags' and access products that would otherwise be wasted.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Aeroporti di Roma collaborates with Too Good To Go – DFNI Online

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Air Canada Enhances In-Flight Entertainment With New Sports Channels For Stanley Cup Playoffs

Air Canada has enhanced its in-flight entertainment by adding three new Live TV sports channels: Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet East, and TVA Sports. Passengers on select flights can now enjoy live coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and other major sports events in both English and French. Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet East, available on domestic flights, cover NHL, NBA, MLB, and curling, while TVA Sports, available on domestic and transborder flights, provides French-language coverage of NHL, WTA, UFC, and EURO 2024.

Travel Wires | Related Air Canada Introduces New Sports Channels to Live TV Service Just in Time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs – Air Canada

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture from @j.mcn_photography, shows an Icelandair Boeing 757-256 aircraft with the "80 Years of Aviation" livery.

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

> Tweet of the Day

A great flight aboard @lufthansa ’s venerable A340-600, with a highlight being the superb menu. Though a legacy product, the business seat enabled me to catch some sleep (a pillow under the knees took me to a near zero-g experience, with great leg relief). #paxex #avgeek

Mary Kirby @MaryBKirby

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

"Airlines should compete with one another to secure passengers' business—not to see who can charge the most in surprise fees."

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
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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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