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May 10, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

CDC Allows International Passengers to Use At-Home COVID-19 Tests

International passengers traveling to the US are now permitted to use at-home COVID-19 tests to verify that they are fit to fly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In its guidance, the CDC said the at-home test must be either a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or antigen test that has emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the CDC specified that a telehealth service associated with the test manufacturer must supervise the test remotely and issue a detailed report that confirms both the negative test result and person's identity.

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Airlines Disappointed with UK “Green List” for International Travel

From May 17, travelers won’t have to quarantine on their return from 12 international destinations in line with the UK government's "green list," which airlines feel is too conservative. Virgin Atlantic wants the US added, saying the list "fails to reap the benefits of the UK’s successful vaccination program." Johan Lundgren, easyJet’s CEO, has asked the UK government when other destinations will open up, “so consumers and airlines alike can plan for this summer.” Tim Aderslade, CEO at Airlines UK, said, “The EU has said vaccinated people will be able to travel without restrictions, which leaves the UK at risk of falling behind.”

The Guardian | Related Green list countries: New rules for England Revealed – BBC

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Panasonic Reveals New Features for Arc 3D Moving Map

Panasonic Avionics has unveiled a range of upcoming features as part of its Arc 3D in-flight moving map solution. Arc for Young Explorers will see points of interest replaced by oversized dinosaurs complete with animations, sound and trivia about different species. Additionally, Arc has integrated with OneMedia to create new advertising inventory across its map views, as well as tie-ins with cross-IFE advertising campaigns. Panasonic is also set to roll out its Arc Studio map designer’s tool, which will provide airlines with direct control over a wide range of the moving map's features and content.

Panasonic Avionics | Related Panasonic Avionics partners with Bandai Namco to deliver retro games in-flight – Aviation Business News

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AA Partners with Shinola for Premium Amenity Kits

From today, premium American Airlines (AA) passengers on long-haul flights will receive amenity kits designed by Detroit-based Shinola that contain lip balms and lotions from D.S. & Durga in its Rose Atlantic and Radio Bombay scents. Shinola has also created a limited-edition version of its desk clock featuring a dial crafted using metal from AA’s historic fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-80s. The clocks are available for purchase and will also feature in select Admirals Club lounges. “We were thrilled at the opportunity to align with a like-minded iconic American brand that has a similar commitment to quality,” said Shannon Washburn, Shinola’s CEO.

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Etihad Introduces Baggage Collection Service with Dubz

A partnership between Etihad Airways and Dubz will offer passengers departing from Abu Dhabi the option to have their baggage collected from their home or office up to seven hours before their flight. On collection, an agent will check the passengers’ travel documents. Customers can also use the service to select seats and purchase extra baggage allowance, priority boarding, an at-home PCR test or bag disinfection for an additional fee. “The service limits human interaction at the airport as guests are able to head straight to immigration and avoid long lines,” explained John Wright, VP Global Airport, Network and Cargo Operations, Etihad Airways.

Business Traveller | Related Etihad Sells Stake in Air Seychelles – Khaleej Times

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Norwegian to Close Three of Five Spanish Bases

Norwegian is to close its bases at Barcelona El Prat, Las Palmas and Tenerife Sur in Spain and will subsequently dismiss 1,191 workers, which equates to 85% of its workforce in the country. The move comes as the airline continues to reduce its costs in a bid to emerge from bankruptcy protection at the end of May. Norwegian will keep its bases at Alicante and Malaga, with one aircraft stationed at each throughout 2021. However, by 2022, the carrier hopes the number of aircraft based in Spain will increase to six, which would mean jobs for 215 crewmembers.

CH-Aviation | Related Norwegian Air eyes almost €670m refinance package – Irish Times

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Union, Politicians Oppose United’s Plans to Outsource Catering

A group of Democrats from US Congress has written to Scott Kirby, United Airlines’ CEO, to request that the carrier “adhere to the spirit” of the payroll protection program by abandoning “any plan that would outsource thousands of jobs when the industry is already projecting financial recovery.” The letter follows news that United issued a request for bids from contractors to take on catering operations at its hubs in Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Honolulu and Newark. In response, United said, “Given the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 ... United continues to explore ways to do things differently and become more efficient wherever we can.”

Huffington Post | Related United Airlines Could Be About To Outsource Its Catering – Simple Flying

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Chilling with the squad at Denver International Airport. Captured by @jaspreettravels.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Today, we are celebrating the 25-year anniversary of our borders business. A big thank you to all of our employees, members, customers and partners for their continued support! #25yearsofborders #WeAreSITA

SITA @SITAonline

Association News

Air Canada Highlights Health Safety Certification During Q1 Earnings Call

During Air Canada’s 1Q21 investor’s call, CEO Michael Rousseau said, “For our customers, safety is our top priority. We were therefore very pleased when our COVID-19 CleanCare+ biosafety program earned us APEX’s Diamond-status certification. We were recognized for achieving hospital-grade levels of biosecurity across multiple passenger touchpoints. This certification program aims to create a global standard for health and safety measures focused on airline customers.” Find out more about the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying program.

> Quote of the Day

" In the event of decompression, pilots are required to make a steep descent to a safe breathing altitude of around 10,000 feet within [22 minutes]."

Tim Wakeford, Caeli Nova
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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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