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May 12, 2022

Tata Sons Appoints Campbell Wilson as CEO & MD of Air India

Tata Sons have announced the appointment of Campbell Wilson as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Air India. Wilson is currently the CEO of Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, and has 26 years of aviation industry expertise across both full service and low-cost airlines. The Air India board has approved the appointment of Wilson subject to requisite regulatory approvals. Earlier this year, Tata Group announced the appointment of former Turkish Airlines chairman Ilker Ayci to the role, however, Ayci turned down the offer due to negative press from the Indian media.

The Statesman | Related Turkey's Ayci declines Air India CEO role in setback for Tata Group – Reuters

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SIA and MAG Receive Conditional Clearance for Cooperation

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysia Airlines (MAG) have secured conditional clearance from the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) for their proposed commercial cooperation. During its evaluation, CCCS carried out a public consultation and noted that the relevant markets for this evaluation should include air passenger services between Singapore and Malaysia based on third-party feedback and the approach taken by CCCS in past airline cases. The parties submitted a set of proposed commitments, which will enable the implementation of a joint business arrangement during the aviation industry's recovery from the pandemic.

Airport Technology | Related Singapore Airlines set to unveil revamped lounge facilities at Changi T3 – Business Traveller

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Southwest Selects Viasat for IFC on New Aircraft

Southwest Airlines has selected Viasat’s high-speed Ka-band inflight connectivity (IFC) service to be factory-installed on all new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Southwest has several hundred options and orders for the aircraft, and installation will begin in fall 2022. The move is part of the airline’s newly announced $2 billion plan to improve the passenger experience. According to a statement from the airline, its current IFC provider Anuvu will offer its latest-generation hardware “onboard 50 in-service aircraft by the end of May, with a projected 350 aircraft upgraded by the end of October.”

Runway Girl Network | Related Southwest Airlines Begins Testing For New High-Speed WiFi – Simple Flying

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Avianca, GOL Form Abra Group

The owners of Colombia’s Avianca and the controlling shareholder of Brazil’s GOL have signed an agreement to form Abra Group, a pan- Latin America airline network. Both airlines will keep their separate brands, talent, teams, and culture. In addition to owning both airlines, the group will hold a non-controlling 100% economic stake in Viva’s operations in Colombia and Peru and convertible debt representing a minority equity investment in Chile’s Sky Airline. The deal is subject to regulatory clearances and closing conditions.

Airways Magazine | Related Avianca, Viva plan a merger to keep competing – PaxEx

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Turkish Airlines Introduces New Amenity Kit

Turkish Airlines has partnered with brands Coccinelle and Hackett on its new amenity kits, produced in conjunction with Kaelis. The kits will be offered onboard to passengers traveling in business class on flights of 8 hours or more. The kits come in a male option designed by Hackett or a female option designed by Coccinelle. Each kit features a 3D sleep mask designed to accommodate face contours, breathable socks, earplugs that balance cabin pressure, a toothbrush, toothpaste with increased fluoride and recyclable packaging, a hairgrip and skincare products. The kits are available now.

Economy Class and Beyond | Related Aeromexico, Skyteam and Kaelis partner for greener future – Pax International

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SWISS to Expand Swiss Air Rail to Germany

Swiss is expanding its Swiss Air Rail program in partnership with SBB Swiss Federal Railways by offering a new international air-rail connection between Zurich airport and Munich’s central station. The intermodal service will begin in July 2022 and features a new train service running between Munich Hauptbahnhof rail station and Zurich airport with six SBB trains per day in both directions. Additionally, the carrier has plans to expand the air-rail options in Switzerland further.

Business Travel News Europe | Related KLM and Thalys announces additional AirRail capacity – Economy Class and Beyond

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Finnair Features New In-Flight Cocktail

Finnair has launched a new signature cocktail across all cabin classes on long-haul flights. The “Northern Blush,” created in partnership with Danish Mikropolis Cocktails, features traditional Nordic flavors of lingonberry, cloudberry, pine and birch and contains a splash of gin, and a dash of orange peel. It is served over ice with a slice of lemon and comes ready-mixed in a can. The cocktail is complimentary in Economy during the first meal service and can be purchased for €8. The drink will be available in Finnair’s Helsinki lounges two days following its launch before becoming available exclusively in-flight.

Onboard hospitality | Related British Airways adds Aviation American Gin to inflight menus – Business Traveller

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A Corendon Airlines Boeing 737 arriving at Birmingham Airport from Antalya. Captured by @emiratispotter50

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

> Tweet of the Day

But the @SouthwestAir #PaxEx news doesn’t stop at Wi-Fi. FINAllY after years of passenger demand the airline will add in-seat USB-A/C at every seat on its #737MAX fleet. Rollout begins early 2023.

Jason Rabinowitz @AirlineFlyer

Association News

Register Now for APEX Content Market!

Registration is now open for APEX Content Market! Join us June 8-9, in Dublin, Ireland, for this exclusive, members-only event featuring the best in TV, movies, games, GUIs, apps & audio. Our show floor for this year's event is expected to SELL OUT quickly, so be sure to secure your spot now. Click here to learn more & register!

> Quote of the Day

"The overall passenger experience is enhanced by delivering connectivity inflight that is the same as the on the ground experience."

Don Buchman, Viasat
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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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