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May 3, 2022

Avianca and Viva to Merge Under Same Holding Company

Colombian budget airline Viva and the country’s flag carrier Avianca have announced plans to merge. The two airlines will be consolidated under the same holding company while retaining their individual strategies and brands. As part of the deal, Viva founding partner Declan Ryan will get a seat on Avianca’s board of directors. Ryan stated, “If the authorities approve the management of both groups under the same holding company, it will encourage the growth of the air transport market, promoting low rates for users and good service with the best punctuality.” The merger is currently awaiting regulatory clearance.

Airport Technology | Related Spirit Airlines rejects revised JetBlue offer, clearing way for Frontier merger – USA Today

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Qantas Selects P&W GTF Engines for A220 and A320neo Aircraft

Pratt & Whitney (P&W) has announced today that Qantas Airways has confirmed the selection of P&W's GTF engines to power its 40 Airbus A220 and A320neo family aircraft, including the A321XLR, which the airline will operate on domestic and short-haul international routes. P&W will also provide Qantas with engine maintenance through a long-term EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement. Aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2023. Leaders from Airbus, Qantas and P&W gathered in Sydney, Australia, to celebrate the milestone with A220 aircraft demonstration flights and a static display for media, stakeholders and employees.

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Delta Air Lines Tests SpaceX’s Starlink IFC

Delta Air Lines is exploring the possibility of using Starlink, SpaceX's broadband technology, and has already conducted tests and held talks with the California-based company, according to Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian. SpaceX has developed a special aviation antenna that is undergoing testing, with the company working on gaining certification with "various aircraft." There are currently almost 2,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, with the company targeting a total of 30,000 to build a complete constellation.

Simple Flying | Related SpaceX’s Starlink to provide Wi-Fi on Hawaiian Airlines flights with free service for passengers – CNBC

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BA to Wet-Lease Two Titan Boeing 757 and Four Finnair A321

British Airways (BA) has announced it will wet-lease two Boeing 757-200s from Titan Airways and four Airbus A321-200s from Finnair for its 2022 summer season to ease capacity on its short-haul services. The wet-lease is part of Finnair’s strategy to lessen the effects that the closure of Russian airspace and the slow return to key Asian routes has had on the airline. The lease period for the Finnair aircraft is four months. Both Finnair and Titan Airways aircraft will be deployed on BA’s short-haul routes.

Aviation News Source | Related airBaltic to wet-lease one jet from Ukraine's flag carrier – Aerotime Hub

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Portuguese Airports to Open E-Gates to British Travelers

On April 23, Portugal announced that it would allow British travelers to use the fast-track e-gates at all of its airports, making the Portuguese government the first in the EU to defy post-Brexit recommendations. British travelers will now have access to e-gates at airports in Lisbon, Porto, Faro in the Algarve, and Funchal on the island of Madeira used by passengers from other EU states as well as Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore.

Euro Weekly News | Related Star Alliance biometrics platform goes live in Hamburg Airport – Future Travel Experience

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Queenstown and Hamad Airports Launch Composting Sustainability Initiatives

Queenstown Airport in New Zealand has introduced three CarbonCycle compost bins to turn food waste from the staff kitchens and the food and beverage outlets in the terminal into compost as part of the airport’s waste minimization plan. Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha has also announced that it will use organic compost generated from green waste as fertilizer for landscaping. This initiative aligns with HIA’s memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Municipality to enhance the airport’s waste management process. Working alongside the Municipality, HIA aims to achieve sustainable development of its waste treatment and recycling programs.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related SFO on track to become zero-waste airport – Waste Today Magazine

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United to Offer Free Spritz Cocktails on Flights to Italy

United has announced it will offer complimentary Spritz Society premium sparkling cocktails onboard select flights to Italy. The cocktails will be available on flights between Chicago and Milan starting May 6 and the airline's summer flights between New York/Newark and Rome beginning May 26. "Spritz cocktails have become synonymous with summer and offer a taste of Europe. Given the drink's origin, we thought what better place to serve them than onboard our flights to Italy," said Luc Bondar, United Vice President of Marketing & Loyalty and President of MileagePlus.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A SunExpress Boeing 737-800 just before landing at Basel Mulhouse-Freiburg EuroAirport. Captured by @south.jets

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

> Tweet of the Day

#ProjectSunrise will be #carbonneutral from day one & #Qantas CEO: Project Sunrise is "final fix for the tyranny of distance" - Qantas has confirmed an order for 12 #Airbus #A350-1000 #aircraft #airlines #Australia #aviation #avgeeks #paxex #planes

Jukka Partanen @JukkaPartanen3

Association News

Register Now for APEX TECH on May 18

APEX TECH is less than one month away! The event, sponsored by Panasonic, will take place on May 18 in Irvine, California. If you still haven't registered for this FREE event for APEX members, be sure to secure your spot now. Visit the full TECH schedule page for more details and Click here to register for TECH.

> Quote of the Day

"This initiative is another milestone toward achieving our targets and cementing our place as leaders behind environmental sustainability in the aviation industry."

Michael McMillan, Hamad International Airport
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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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