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May 19, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Canadian airline WestJet, pilots reach 11th-hour deal as strike averted

Canada's second largest airline WestJet, and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) averted a last minute strike prior to the Canadian holiday weekend, by announcing a tentative pay agreement. This comes as the airline had parked 130 WestJet and (ULCC subsidiary) Swoop aircraft at airports across Canada in anticipation of industrial action, putting travellers weekend flight plans at risk. The airline had already cancelled dozens of flights within Canada, as well as to the United States and internationally. The agreement will be put to vote by the Union in the next two days, with the Union recommending that members accept the offer.

AP News | Related

WestJet avoids strike. Will flights restart in time for the long weekend? - Global News

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American Airlines, DFW Airport, plan major expansion

American Airlines has announced a long term use and lease agreement with Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) International airport, setting the stage for future expansion. This includes $4.8 billion in pre-approved capital investments, including the construction of Terminal F, the renovation of Terminal C, construction of gate expansions at Terminal A and Terminal C, and other significant modernization projects. The projects will also allow American to expand operations in existing terminals to maximize its operational capability and enhance the experience for connecting customers. The new agreement will allow American and DFW to work together on additional capital projects.

American Airlines | Related

American Airlines, DFW Airport Restart Plans for Terminal F, Announce Billions in Improvements - NBC News

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Finnair Plus Announces Major Changes To Benefits

Finnair has revealed several changes to its Finnair Plus loyalty program. The airline, which has been severely hit by the closure of Russian airspace, has started adding fuel surcharges to all award tickets, increased the miles needed, and slashed baggage limits for elite passengers. This comes as the airline introduces a new Superlight ticket within Europe, which replaces the Economy Light ticket. Superlight ticket holders will be allowed to take a small bag to be put under the seat, but no other carry-on luggage. Meanwhile the fuel surcharge on award tickets comes into effect on 15 June.

Simple Flying | Related Finnair introduces negative changes to baggage, seats and upgrades - Turning Left for Less

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Oneworld says lounges, alliance-wide points upgrades on the way

Airline alliance Oneworld has told Executive Traveller that a number of lounge improvements and alliance wide points upgrades, that were delayed due to the pandemic, may soon come to fruition. “Development of the Oneworld Upgrade programme and branded lounges is actively progressing,” a Oneworld spokesperson has assured Executive Traveller. “We are looking forward to sharing more details in the coming months including key benefits for customers, making travel with Oneworld member airlines even more rewarding.” A range of possible locations for Oneworld lounges have been suggested over recent years, including the Berlin Brandenburg airport, Seoul’s Terminal 1 and Sao Paulo Terminal 3,

Executive Traveller | Related Qantas Lounge Hong Kong Reopens After “Permanent” Closure - One Mile at a Time

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Row over London Heathrow Fees set to continue

The row over whether London Heathrow Airport (LHR) needs to reduce airline fees won't be resolved until the Autumn. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority, which is investigating the issue, has given Heathrow and airlines longer to make submissions of evidence. A deadline of 22 August has now been extended until 17 October. Heathrow approached the CMA to ask whether it could appeal a CAA decision about how much airlines pay to use the airport. Heathrow wants a CAA cap overridden to invest and to help recoup Covid losses.

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Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 launches seamless journey platform at new Ezeiza International Airport terminal

Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, the major airport operator in Argentina, opened the new Ezeiza International Airport terminal in April 2023. The state-of-the-art facility is described as “the most modern and technologically advanced in Latin America, providing passengers with a seamless travel experience”. As part of the new terminal, Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 has expanded its partnership with Vision-Box to deploy its Seamless Journey Platform, comprising 14 biometric-enabled self-service pre-security eGates expediting automated boarding pass control for both domestic and international flights.

Future Travel Experience | Related

Aerolineas Argentinas Records Best Financial Results In 14 Years - Simple Flying

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Ostend-Bruges Airport to become Belgium’s second-largest solar park

Energy company EnergyVision is to install 66,200 solar panels on the grounds of Ostend-Bruges Airport, reportedly making the airport the second-largest solar panel park in Belgium. The panels have a total capacity of over 40MWp. The airport is thus making its own energy consumption, that of Antwerp Airport and that of almost 10,000 Ostend families 100% green. The generated energy will initially be used to supply electricity for the entire airport site, enabling the airport to operate on 100% green electricity. However, with an annual electricity production of almost 37,000MWh, the airport will generate much more electricity than it can consume. Therefore, part of the green power generated will be diverted to Antwerp Airport. The remaining power generated will go directly to local residents.

Simple Flying | Related

Ostend-Bruges Airport to host Belgium’s second-largest solar plant - PV Magazine

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @RunwayGirl, and is about German leisure airline Condor's fleet renewal plans. Click on the photo to find out more. Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

From slippers to beer cans, Condor goes big on stripes for A330neo flights https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2023/05/condor-striped-airbus330neo/ A #nosetotail trip report by @hbaskas #paxex #avgeek

Runway Girl @RunwayGirl

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 appreciate we were able to arrive at a deal, however, recognize the impact on our guests and we sincerely appreciate their patience during this time.”

WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech
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The next newsletter will be out next week

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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