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May 17, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Airline Passenger Traffic To Cross Pre-Pandemic Levels

Global air passenger figures could return to 2019 levels earlier than previously expected, with Ascend by Cirium predicting that it could happen as soon as October 2023. When looking at averages for the year as a whole, 2023’s overall figures are expected to be 6% down on those seen in 2019, but 2024 will see an 8% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. Asia-Pacific markets continue to lag behind other regions. Asian countries eased the COVID travel restrictions much later, hampering the recovery of their aviation markets.

Simple Flying | Related Asia-Pacific Airlines Now Powering Global Growth - Simple Flying

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Delta Air Lines Rolls Out Delta Sync Platform

Delta has begun rolling out its Delta Sync Exclusives cross-promotional platform on domestic mainline aircraft. Plans call for the platform to be available on 540 Delta planes by the end of July. Coupled with the recent rollout of free WiFi for SkyMiles members, it’s part of a broader strategy at Delta to drive new SkyMiles memberships, enhance the inflight experience and generate new revenue opportunities from brand partnerships. To access the Delta Sync Exclusives platform, flyers use their mobile devices to login with their SkyMiles number.

Travel Weekly | Related Delta Air Lines Rolls Out New Platform For Content - Simple Flying

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Budapest Airport, Wizz Air And Partners Start Commercially Testing Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Budapest Airport and Wizz Air, in cooperation with fuel supplier MOL, Neste, and RÜK (Airport Fuel Supply Kft.) have started commercially testing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply. The project supports broader aviation industry efforts to reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions and aims at preparing the supply system of Budapest Airport ahead of the SAF blending mandates introduction in 2025. On 10 May, Wizz Air took off from Budapest Airport for the first time with a 37% blend of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel supplied by MOL.

Future Travel Experience | Related Wizz Air And MOL Test SAF Supply At Budapest Airport - Aviation Source News

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DFW Airport Sets Stage To Restart Work On Sixth Terminal

DFW International Airport has tentatively agreed on a new use and lease agreement with American Airlines and other carriers, setting the stage for work to restart on a sixth terminal delayed by COVID-19. American and DFW came to a tentative deal on building a new $3 billion Terminal F back in 2019, highlighting the partnership that could add up to 24 new gates and give American room to grow for years to come. The new terminal would occupy a spot now filled with a parking lot.

Dallas News | Related Terminal F Coming To DFW Airport As Part Of A Major Expansion - CBS Texas

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Alaska Airlines Enhances Passenger Experience With Greater Variety of Meal Options

Alaska Airlines has responded to passenger feedback by introducing expanded meal selections in both First Class and the main cabin. This includes doubling the number of pre-order options in the main cabin, while also giving First Class passengers up to five different entrees to select onboard. The airline has also added a new sandwich to the onboard menu in the main cabin. Named by an Alaska Airlines employee, Jetsetter’s Jam is the carrier’s take on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich – that’s peanut free.

Future Travel Experience | Related Alaska Airlines Expands Onboard Food Options – AirlineGeeks

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Southwest Airlines To Charge Up To $80 For Upgraded Boarding

Southwest has increased the maximum price of upgraded boarding to $80 per segment, per person as of May 15. Southwest Airlines is famously known for its open seating policy. The earlier you check in, the better boarding position you can expect to receive. There are upgraded boarding positions available for purchase, too, if some of the coveted A1 to A15 slots are still available within 24 hours of the flight’s departure time. Earlier, the cost of upgraded boarding started at $30 per segment, per person and topped out at $60 per segment, per person.

The Points Guy | Related Southwest Airlines Trades a Pilot Problem for a Bigger Issue - TheStreet

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Kenya Airways To Pilot Clean Fuel To Cut Carbon Emissions

Kenya Airways will pilot an environmentally friendly flight that seeks to cut carbon emissions by 2050. The national carrier is set to participate in the Sustainable Flight Challenge (TSFC), an initiative of SkyTeam, where it will test the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). During the test, KQ will pilot a Boeing 787-800 (B787-8) Dreamliner for the return flight between Nairobi and Amsterdam on May 25th, 2023. TSFC, which is in its second edition, will provide the local carrier with valuable data and insights that will inform policy decisions, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices related to SAF.

Capital Business | Related Kenya Airways To Operate SAF-Powered Nairobi-Amsterdam Flight As Part Of Sustainable Flight Challenge - Simple Flying

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @kent_yvr, showing an AIRDO Boeing 767 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Should things go as planned, the first @airindia #A321neo will enter commercial service at the end of this month. The aircraft is being fitted with seats from the #A319 fleet and will have a 2 class configuration. 📷 - @Tobias_Gudat #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

“We’re well on track to recover, and then finally, we can put our 2019 crutch back in the cupboard, and we can look forward again to growth.”

Rob Morris, Global Head of Consultancy at Ascend by Cirium
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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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