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May 8, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

US To Drop Vaccine Requirement For Non-US Travelers

Roughly 18 months after implementing a vaccine requirement for non-US travelers, the US will drop its mandate beginning May 12. The move has been welcomed by lawmakers, industry associations, and travelers around the world. Many hope that cross-border tourism will increase as unvaccinated Canadians will finally enjoy the same privileges as unvaccinated Americans, who have been permitted in Canada for several months. The International Air Transport Association said it welcomes the US government decision.

Runway Girl Network | Related US To End Covid Vaccine Air Travel Requirements - BBC News

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Global Air Traffic At 88% Of 2019 Levels, Says IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published its latest air traffic figures for March 2023, with all markets “recording health growth”. The association said that global traffic had reached 88 per cent of March 2019 levels, with domestic traffic now near pre-pandemic levels (98.9 per cent). Recovery in international traffic has been lagging behind due to the gradual easing of border restrictions, but has now reached 81.6 per cent of March 2019 levels, led by the recent resurgence of carriers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Business Traveller | Related Air Travel Growth Continues In March - IATA

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Vistara Operates Commercial Flight Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Vistara operated a commercial domestic flight on a wide-body aircraft using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the first time in India. Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, flying from Delhi to Mumbai using a blend of 17 per cent SAF with 83 percent conventional jet fuel, according to the media release. On this flight, Vistara was able to reduce approximately 10,000 pounds of CO2 emissions, the statement said. Last month, Vistara operated a wide-body aircraft on a long-haul international route using sustainable aviation fuel.

Businessworld | Related Vistara Operates India’s First Commercial SAF Flight On A Widebody Plane - Simple Flying

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Emirates Enhances Customer Experience With New City Check-in And Robot Assistant

Emirates is launching a new City Check‑in and Travel Store, enabling customers to book travel, check-in for flights, drop luggage, shop for travel essentials, and save time at the airport. Customers can visit the space and check-in anytime from 08:00 to 22:00 daily, beginning their travel experience with seamless service via self check-in kiosks, at dedicated desks with Emirates agents, or the world’s first-ever check‑in robot assistant – Sara. Sara is an innovative portable robotic check-in system that can match faces with scanned passports, check-in passengers, and guide them to the bag drop area.

Future Travel Experience | Related Emirates Introduces First Robotic Check-In Assistant In The World - Adda247

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Qantas Reopens Its Hong Kong Lounge

The last of the Qantas international lounges shuttered in the face of the 2020 pandemic is back in full swing, with the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge now joining its siblings in Singapore, LAX, London and Auckland. While retaining its original footprint and design, the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge has been refreshed with new furniture and a somewhat warmer color palette. The vibe also extends to the menu, which includes char siu Chinese barbecued pork and a yum cha trolley of pre-flight delights such as dumplings and mango tarts.

Executive Traveller | Related Qantas Reopens Hong Kong International Lounge - Passenger Terminal Today

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Aeroporti Di Roma, ITA Airways And Trenitalia Launch FCO Connect

Aeroporti di Roma, ITA Airways and Trenitalia have launched a new intermodality project – FCO Connect – which focuses on customer experience, innovation and sustainability. The new ‘train + aeroplane’ product allows passengers to simplify their travel experience with a combined ticket and check-in at dedicated counters at the Fiumicino Airport railway station. The check-in service at the railway station at Fiumicino Airport will be active, on an experimental basis, for the duration of the summer aviation season.

Future Travel Experience | Related Aeroporti Di Roma Develops Combined Train And Airplane Ticket - Passenger Terminal Today

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Heathrow Express Launches Accessibility Charter

Heathrow Express has partnered with wheelchair basketball team London Titans to launch an accessibility charter to highlight the airport’s access provisions and goals. The charter was created by Heathrow Express to support the team’s travel to the 2023 EuroCup tournament, and ensure a suitable experience on its trains for everyone by making accessibility a priority. The initiative will include maintaining Heathrow Express’s step-free rail-airport transfer service, to enable passengers with wheelchairs and mobility aids to travel between trains and planes with ease.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Heathrow Express Launches Accessibility Charter As Part Of New London Titans Partnership - RailBusinessDaily

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @_swiss_aviation_fanpage_, showing a Helvetic Airways Embraer ERJ-190 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Spectacular starboard view on board AV 9805 BOG>PEI during sunrise this morning, to kick off a two-week vacation in Colombian nature 🇨🇴 I'll be back, I think. 🌴 @Avianca #paxex #avgeek #A320

Carlos Martínez @carlosmdigital

Association News

FTE EMEA

Future Travel Experience EMEA returns to the “Silicon Valley of Europe”, Dublin from 23-25 May, to become established as the region’s definitive end-to-end air transport innovation show with an atmosphere, energy and audience like no other. This high-level three-day event, focused on the art of scaling innovative ideas, is dedicated to new thinking and concepts, and combines an exhibition, extensive social activities, conference sessions, interactive workshops, pitch sessions and awards with turbo-charged networking. For more information, click here.

> Quote of the Day

“For over three years now there have been barriers to cross-border travel. It has kept families apart and impeded economic recovery. While long overdue, this last lifting of pandemic restrictions is certainly welcome news and critically important as we seek opportunities to encourage a robust cross-border exchange that delivers shared prosperity.”

Congressman Brian Higgins
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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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