Apex Daily Experience

No Images? Open in Browser

April 25, 2024

Go to APEX.AERO

Today's Top Stories

Norwegian Authorities To Offer Airspace As Low-Emissions Test Arena

Norwegian airports operator Avinor has partnered with the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority to establish a test arena for low-emission aircraft, open to domestic and international participants. Avinor will provide infrastructure, airspace, and energy access, while the authority will assist with regulatory matters. Avinor claims no equivalent operational test area currently exists, and the plan will support early introduction of low- and zero-emission air transport in Norway, helping businesses gain experience in electric and hydrogen technology.

FlightGlobal | Related Avinor to establish Norway as an international test arena for zero and low emission aviation – Future Travel Experience

SHARE

India's IndiGo Orders 30 Airbus A350s In Bet On Long-Haul Routes

IndiGo, India's top airline, has placed its first order for 30 Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. The order, worth over $9 billion at list prices, also includes purchase rights for an additional 70 A350 family planes. Indian carriers are trying to keep pace with the country's air traffic growth, as international air travellers are expected to reach 160 million by 2030. The new order will allow IndiGo to fly non-stop to destinations in Europe, North America, Australia, and the Far East, bypassing the Gulf.

SHARE

Libélula Books Promotes Value of Read-Along Content for Children Onboard

Based in the US, startup Libélula Books has created a series of read-along audiobooks and videobooks to appeal to young travelers. The first in the series, "Bella's Big Hair: A Birthday Adventure," is available as an audiobook in six languages, while the artwork for the videobooks is still being completed. "Our audio- and videobooks make entertainment accessible for blind and hearing-impaired children," said Libélula Books CEO Bethany McAllister. "Because we produce the content and own the licensing rights, we can also customize new content according to the airlines' needs."

APEX Insights | Related Sport 24 secures Euro 2024 rights for ship and in-flight entertainment – Digital TV Europe

SHARE

Lufthansa, Fraport, NXP Discuss Automation & AI At FTE Innovation Communities

Last week, members of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub and FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group convened at the Lufthansa Aviation Center at Frankfurt Airport for the biggest-ever joint meeting of FTE’s Innovation Communities. The collaborative event included presentations from Lufthansa Group, Fraport, NXP, Avery Dennison and bob, who shared their insights into automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), RFID and baggage tracking. In this article, FTE provides key highlights from the event.

Future Travel Experience | Related Future Travel Experience (FTE) Communities – Future Travel Experience

SHARE

JetBlue Unveils Blueprint IFE Platform

JetBlue has introduced Blueprint by JetBlue™, a personalized inflight experience platform that offers customizable features across the travel journey. The updated inflight entertainment system includes a watch party feature, content recommendations, the ability to pick up where you left off, saved favorites and settings, and exclusive content partnerships. These personalization features will deliver a bespoke inflight experience that extends to subsequent flights when passengers securely authenticate their profiles. Blueprint also expands on JetBlue's existing products, such as personal greetings, flight connect information, and seatback ordering. The personalization functions are being rolled out on JetBlue's AVANT touchscreen aircraft.

PAX International | Related JetBlue debuts updated inflight TV software with cool new features – The Points Guy

SHARE

Saudia Launches Beta Version Of Travel Companion Platform

Saudia, Saudi Arabia's national flag carrier, has launched its innovative digital platform, the Travel Companion (TC), powered by advanced artificial intelligence. Developed in collaboration with Accenture, the platform offers personalized and tailored solutions to meet individual preferences and needs, providing a comprehensive, one-stop solution for booking concierge services, transportation, and activities. The Travel Companion establishes seamless connections with transportation platforms and train companies, ensuring a smooth journey. Future stages will introduce voice commands, digital payment solutions, and global access through a Saudia-enabled telecom e-SIM card, allowing users to purchase data packages for additional applications.

SHARE

Smart Vending Machines Monitor Free Feminine Products' Availability At Houston's Airports

Houston Airports has partnered with Trax Analytics to use real-time data monitoring and smart vending machine technology to ensure the availability of free feminine products at Bush and Hobby airports. The airports have offered free tampons and pads for over a decade, but previously had no way to actively monitor the supply in real-time. Through the integration of Trax Analytics SmartRestroom technology with Aunt Flow dispensers, Houston Airports can now monitor and refill supply in real-time, predict demand, and provide a more convenient experience for passengers. The technology is being implemented at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and will soon be available at William P. Hobby Airport.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Houston Airports Enhance Travel Experience with Smart Technology for Essential Amenities – Travel and Tour World

SHARE

> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture from @danjet__, shows an easyJet Airbus A320 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

The new rules in the USA bring air passenger rights and regulations into line with Europe including the UK #flights #airpassengers #paxex #flightdelays #flightcancellations

Sally Gethin @gethinsinflight

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

"Establishment of a test arena is a key measure to achieve the government’s goal of accelerating the introduction of new technology in Norwegian aviation as soon as it is mature."

Jon-Ivar Nygard, Norway's Transport Minister
Read the article

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.

Connect with APEX

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

Change email frequency | Unsubscribe