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April 26, 2024

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Today's Top Stories

Airbus raising A350 production in response to strong demand

Airbus has announced plans to increase the monthly production rate of its A350 aircraft, driven by strong demand in the widebody sector. Airbus has secured significant orders for the A350 this year, including a confirmed agreement for 30 aircraft from Indian carrier IndiGo and purchase rights for 70 more. Despite persistent geopolitical and supply-chain pressures, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the company's commitment to its ramp-up plans, supported by investments in its production system. Airbus’ decision to increase production targets for its A350 model is not related to the issues at rival Boeing, Airbus Chief Financial Officer Thomas Toepfer told CNBC.

FlightGlobal | Related

Airbus CFO says A350 plane production increase not tied to Boeing troubles - CNBC

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Archer selects Abu Dhabi as first international eVTOL launch market

Archer Aviation has selected Abu Dhabi as its first international launch market for its eVTOL air taxi service, with plans to begin operations by 2026. The company signed an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) that includes significant investments to support the development and commercialization of Archer's four-passenger electric aircraft. The agreement also involves the construction of vertiports, subsidizing eVTOL operations, and building out the advanced air mobility workforce in Abu Dhabi. As part of this strategic partnership, Archer plans to establish its international headquarters, conduct in-country manufacturing, and provide training.

Vertical Mag | Related

UAE air taxis: Archer Aviation, Abu Dhabi Investment Office set to launch electric aircraft in 2025 - Gulf News

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Lufthansa, Fraport, NXP and more discuss automation, AI, RFID and baggage tracking at biggest-ever joint meeting of 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, and Avery Dennison, 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

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Ryanair boss rules out frequent-flyer perks with airline: ‘Buy a dog if you want some loyalty’

Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, has ruled out introducing any kind of loyalty or frequent-flyer scheme for the airline, unlike its main rivals, easyJet and Wizz Air. O'Leary believes that Ryanair's fares are already so low that passengers save money every time they fly with the airline, making a loyalty scheme unnecessary. He humorously suggested that if passengers want loyalty, they should "buy a dog" instead. Despite a previous charm offensive involving a puppy to promote a softer image for Ryanair, the airline has maintained its stance against loyalty programs, citing the added complexity and potential for passengers to extract more value than the subscription cost.

The Independent | Related

“If You Want Loyalty, Get A Dog”: Ryanair CEO On Why The Airline Doesn’t Reward Frequent Fliers - Simple Flying

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Southwest Airlines CEO Hints That The Airline May Remove Unassigned Seating

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan hinted that the airline may change its boarding process and remove unassigned seating to boost revenue. This comes after Southwest reported a disappointing $231 million net loss in Q1 2024, although March profits were "healthy." The airline is looking into new revenue-driving initiatives, and changing the boarding process could speed up turnaround times. Southwest's current open seating policy encourages passengers to purchase ancillaries like speedy boarding but may not be the most efficient. The airline will continue to be impacted by Boeing's delivery delays of the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 8, receiving fewer aircraft than expected this year.

Simple Flying | Related

Open seating no more? Southwest CEO says airline is weighing cabin changes - CNBC

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AirAsia Group: Capital A Gets Set to Pull Its Airlines Into One Entity

AirAsia Group, under its holding company Capital A, is consolidating its airline businesses into a single entity. Capital A announced an agreement to divest its airline business and acquire AirAsia X, creating a unified AirAsia Group valued at approximately MYR6.8 billion ($1.4 billion). This move positions AirAsia as the largest low-cost airline group in Asia, according to CEO Tony Fernandes. The restructuring follows a similar model to that of International Airlines Group, which operates British Airways, Iberia Airline, and Aer Lingus under one umbrella. The consolidation is part of Fernandes' ambition to strengthen AirAsia's position as a leading low-cost carrier in the region.

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Cool: Brussels Airlines’ Tomorrowland Airbus A320neo

Brussels Airlines has unveiled a new Airbus A320neo featuring a special Tomorrowland livery, as part of its ongoing partnership with the Belgian electronic dance music festival. The aircraft, named "Amare," boasts an augmented reality livery that comes to life when scanned through social media channels. The interior also features Tomorrowland branding, an enhanced sound system, and mood lighting. Brussels Airlines has been offering special Tomorrowland flights with onboard parties since 2012. The airline's collaboration with the festival has now been taken to new heights with this unique aircraft livery, which is sure to turn heads at airports worldwide.

One Mile at a Time | Related

Brussels Airlines unveils Tomorrowland-inspired livery on factory-fresh A320neo - Aerotime

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's Instagram picture from @aerokessler shows a MAS Wings ATR72-500 landing in Penang, during bad weather. Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

The #FTEEMEA & #FTEAncillaryRetailing co-located events will cover #innovation efforts around #digitaltransformation, #CX, commercial revenues, inflight innovation, operational efficiency, future #airports and sustainability. Register ▶️ http://bit.ly/4b2yBp3

APEX @theAPEXassoc

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 are focused on controlling what we can control and have already taken swift action to address our financial underperformance and adjust for revised aircraft delivery expectations.”

Southwest Airlines' chief executive officer (CEO) Bob Jordan
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The next newsletter will be out on Monday

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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