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May 9, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Qatar Airways Set To Debut Boeing 737 MAX Business Class

Qatar Airways’ first Boeing 737 MAX takes wing later this month. But it might not have the slick ‘mini-Qsuite’ slated for Qatar Airways Airbus A321neo series: instead, there’s every chance that Qatar Airways’ initial Boeing 737 MAX business class could be a more conventional offering. That’s because these first 737 MAX jets were initially headed for Russia’s S7 Airlines, until US sanctions meant Boeing was no longer allowed to deliver planes to Russian airlines. The first of the jets is expected to begin flying in the coming weeks, although the specifics remain to be confirmed.

Executive Traveller | Related Qatar Airways Takes Delivery Of Its Very First Boeing 737 MAX - Simple Flying

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Virgin Australia Pushes Back Boeing 737 MAX Debut

Virgin Australia’s first Boeing 737 MAX won’t arrive in time for the launch of the new Cairns-Tokyo route, with the airline today confirming a widely-rumored delay for the next-gen jet. However, those direct flights between Cairns and Tokyo Haneda will still go ahead on 28 June 2023, only with a decade-old Boeing 737-700 in place of the factory-fresh MAX. This will be one of two 737-700s fitted with the same business class seats as Virgin’s workhorse Boeing 737-800 fleet, the main difference being that the -700 version has the longer range needed for this route.

Executive Traveller | Related Boeing Max Delays Taint Virgin’s New Japan Route - AFR

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Australia’s Newcastle Airport To Undergo Terminal Expansion

The Newcastle Airport Terminal Expansion begins this month, with completion scheduled for mid to late 2024. The $110 million project includes significant upgrades, providing a world-class passenger experience for the region. The expansion has been described as a game-changer, as the airport moves towards true global connectivity. The complex build will expand the airport footprint by 50% and create new arrivals and departure processes. The airport is partnering with Construction Control, a company that has an impressive pedigree from Canberra Airport.

Future Travel Experience | Related Newcastle Airport Strives For 100% Renewable Energy Through PPA With Flow Power - SAUR Energy

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Bandwidth And Other Barriers Stymie Connected D2C/IFE On Widebodies

The Bring Your Own License (BYOL) streaming inflight entertainment model — also known in some circles as connected direct-to-consumer IFE or “D2C/IFE” — is seeing strong traction in the United States and on certain short- to medium-haul flights elsewhere, as a growing number of airlines offer free or paid access to a streaming class of Internet service on narrowbody aircraft, and passengers avail of it to access their Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and other OTT subscriptions.

Runway Girl Network | Related Southwest Passengers On Viasat-fitted 737 Can Stream OTT For $8 - Runway Girl Network

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Perth Airport Looking To Develop Its First Hotel

Perth Airport is looking to partner with a world-class operator for its first hotel development. The airport said that it has been working towards consolidating all commercial air services to the Airport Central Precinct near Terminal 1 and 2, so it provides a prime location for the first hotel. Consolidation will make it easier for all passengers to connect to their destinations. A hotel located within walking distance of terminal infrastructure means that international and interstate visitors have a convenient place to stay as they wait for their regional connection.

Future Travel Experience | Related Perth Airport To Establish First Airport Hotel - Passenger Terminal Today

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Manchester Airport To Open 27 Shops And Restaurants In Terminal 2

Manchester Airport in the UK has unveiled plans for 27 new eateries and retail units in Terminal 2, as part of its £1.3 billion (US$1.6 billion) transformation program. The extended departure lounge will feature a food market serving a variety of world cuisines and quick eats, alongside a boutique high-street-style shopping area. The expanded retail and restaurant offering forms part of the transformation program’s second phase, which will see the original Terminal 2 building remodeled. The upgrade is expected to be completed by 2025.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Manchester Airport Outlines Plans For Shopping And Dining Experience At Revamped T2 - Business Traveller

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ITA Airways Launches ‘Time To Think’ Price Guarantee Service

ITA Airways has launched a new service allowing customers to lock the price of a flight for a period of 72 hours. The ‘Time to Think’ service is available up to eight days before the flight departure date, on all 64 destinations offered by the carrier. Customers can choose to lock-in the price of a flight during the booking process for a period of 72 hours, for a fee of between €5 and €15 depending on the route.

Business Traveller | Related ITA Airways And Ferrovie Dello Stato Group Plan Rail-Air Partnership – Business Traveller

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @kent_yvr, showing an OWG Boeing 737 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

The @airindiain website has been given a much needed facelift. While there is no change to the booking engine, the website has up to date images of its product and, inter alia, a dedicated page showcasing its premium economy cabin. #AvGeek #PaxEx

VT-VLO @Vinamralongani

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

“Due to an issue related to a Boeing supplier, there will be a short delay in the delivery of our first Boeing 737-8 aircraft. As a result of the delay, we will operate our Cairns-Haneda (Tokyo) service using our existing Boeing 737-700 aircraft for a short period, starting from the inaugural flight on 28 June 2023.”

Virgin Australia Spokesperson
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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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