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May 4, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Lufthansa Orders Ten More Wide-body Aircraft

Lufthansa has placed an order for five Boeing 787s and five Airbus A350-900s as it continues to modernize its fleet. The 787 will be a new aircraft type for the carrier, which negotiated a deal with Boeing for five jets that have already been manufactured. Deliveries of the 787s are set to begin as next winter, while the A350s are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028. The aircraft will replace Lufthansa’s A340 fleet. “We are pushing ahead with the modernization of our long-haul fleet even faster than prior to the coronavirus pandemic due to anticyclical opportunities,” said Lufthansa’s CEO, Carsten Spohr.

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US Sees High Passenger Numbers, FAA Warns Against Bad Behavior

According to the Transport Security Administration (TSA), almost 1.67 million passengers were screened at US airport checkpoints on Sunday, the highest number since the onset of COVID-19. However, the figure is 35% below the number of travelers reported on the same Sunday in 2019. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remains concerned about the increased number of unruly passengers. It has recorded 1,300 incidents in the first four months of 2021, an increase of 800% versus previous years, and is now working with the Department of Homeland Security and TSA to increase its watch over airports and aircraft.

Travel Weekly | Related FAA Sees Over 1,300 Unruly Passenger Cases in Four Months of 2021 – Flyertalk

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Global Eagle to Leverage Additional Eutelsat Capacity

Global Eagle’s mobility customers will have access to additional Ku-band satellite capacity thanks to a new multi-year agreement with Eutelsat that will see Global Eagle gain exclusive access to the EUTELSAT 7A satellite, which covers North America. The satellite will be renamed EUTELSAT 139WA. Eutelsat’s CCO, Philippe Oliva, said, “This contract reflects ... our flexibility to quickly redeploy assets to grasp market opportunities whilst demonstrating the long-term resilience of the mobility market.”

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SEA Spot Saver to Test Virtual Queues for Security Screening

SEA Spot Saver, a pilot program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, will test two “virtual queuing” solutions for passengers waiting to go through security. A solution from Pangiam will allow Alaska Airlines passengers to sign up for a security checkpoint appointment online up to 24 hours before their flight or once they're in the terminal. They will receive a QR code at their reservation time. Passengers traveling with all other carriers can take part in a program operated by VHT that allows passengers to book a checkpoint appointment time by scanning a QR code once they are in the terminal.

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OneWeb Opens UK Service Demonstration Center

OneWeb customers can witness the performance and potential applications of the company’s satellite network in real-time at its new service demonstration center in the UK. Staff can discuss OneWeb’s satellite technology, potential partnerships, testing requirements and collaboration opportunities. Michele Franci, chief of Delivery at OneWeb, commented, “The opening of this facility brings OneWeb closer to delivering on its mission to provide connectivity for people, businesses and governments, while potentially unlocking new research, development and manufacturing opportunities in the UK.”

Inflight Online | Related OneWeb launches sixth batch of internet satellites – BBC

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RIS to Upgrade Baggage Screening Equipment Across the US

Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RIS) has won a five-year contract with the Transportation Security Administration worth $318 million to expand the deployment of checked baggage screening equipment to all federally managed airports in the US. The company has already installed new checked baggage screening equipment in 155 airports, but the scope of this new contract will cover 430 federal airports in total. "This nationwide expansion of our partnership allows us to continue to protect passengers from evolving security threats," said John DeSimone, VP Cybersecurity, Training and Services at RIS.

Raytheon Technologies | Related PRAGUSA.ONE Reveals June 2021 Launch Plans

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PRAGUSA.ONE Reveals June 2021 Launch Plans

PRAGUSA.ONE is planning to launch operations in June. First, it will introduce flights from Dubrovnik to New York’s Newark Liberty airport using a leased A330 aircraft, followed by a service from Dubrovnik to Los Angeles using a leased A340. It is currently negotiating the purchase of two A350s with Airbus. Eventually, the carrier hopes to have a network of eight long-haul destinations that also includes Beijing, Johannesburg and Tokyo. PRAGUSA.ONE’s managing director, Krešimir Budinski, said, “Point-to-point flight operations bundled with a full travel package and premium in-flight service are key success factors.”

Simple Flying | Related New European Startup Pragusa.One Has a Unique Business Strategy – Airline Geeks

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Instant messaging apps brought airlines closer to their passengers.

This week, we're looking back at some of @ricardo_polo_vector's illustrations for #APEXExperienceMag!

> Tweet of the Day

A very special visitor stopped by yesterday, @AlaskaAir's brand new livery, “Our Commitment” in partnership with @UNCF, which represents their dedication to education & advancing racial equity.

Orlando International Airport @MCO

Association News

ICYMI: Dr. Joe Leader’s Interview in the Latest Issue of PAX International

In the April 2021 edition of PAX International magazine, APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader speaks with editor Jane Hobson about the Biden relief bill and what it means for the aviation industry, shares positive figures that indicate a return to air travel and discusses the inner workings of the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying program. Read the article.

> Quote of the Day

“For WestJet, data is a critical part of our digital experience, as it helps us ensure that we are focusing on what matters."

Jag Sandhu, WestJet
Read the article

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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