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May 26, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Lufthansa intends to fully take over ITA Airways, CEO says

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said that the German airline intends to fully take over ITA Airways, depending on pricing and performance. This comes after Lufthansa signed a deal for a minority stake in the airline on Thursday. Spohr said that Lufthansa is committed to investing in ITA Airways and making it a profitable carrier. Lufthansa is hoping to turn around ITA Airways by integrating it into its own network, including creating a group hub at Rome’s Fiumicino airport. Thursday's deal is subject to EU regulatory approval.

Reuters | Related

German airline Lufthansa signs deal for minority stake in Italy's struggling ITA Airways - ABC News

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United Airlines Reveals Huge Denver International Airport Expansion

United Airlines is expanding its operations at Denver International Airport (DEN). The airline will add 35 new flights to its Denver network, including six new destinations. United will also have 12 new gates in the A and B concourses operational by the middle of 2024, giving it 90 gates at its disposal in Denver. United has invested almost $1 billion in infrastructure upgrades at DEN. The expansion will see United offer more seats than it ever has from Denver at over 60,000 outbound seats per day, cementing its position as Denver's biggest airline.

Simple Flying | Related

United Airlines adds more flights, new lounges in fast-growing Denver - CNBC

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BA flight chaos at Heathrow airport ahead of UK bank holiday weekend

British Airways cancelled at least 50 flights from Heathrow Airport on Thursday due to a technical issue. The airline said the issue affected its check-in and boarding systems, and that it was working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Passengers affected by the cancellations were being offered refunds or rebookings. The cancellations come at a busy time for the airline, with many people traveling for the upcoming bank holiday weekend. The airline said it was "extremely sorry" for the inconvenience caused.

Guardian | Related

Technical issue at British Airways causes some flight cancellations at Heathrow - Reuters

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Air New Zealand unveils new amenity kits with Aotea

Air New Zealand has unveiled new amenity kits for its Business Premier and Premium Economy cabins. The kits are made from recycled materials and feature products from New Zealand-based Aotea, a company that specializes in Māori-inspired skincare and wellness products. The kits include a lip balm, hand cream, eye mask, toothbrush, toothpaste, and socks. Air New Zealand says the new kits are part of its commitment to sustainability and to providing passengers with a more personalized travel experience.

Economy Class and Beyond | Related

Air New Zealand Showcases Cultural Identity With New Amenity Kits - Business Traveller

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Singapore Airlines Decides Against Paper Meal Containers For Longer Flights

Singapore Airlines has decided not to implement paper meal containers on medium to long-haul flights after an unsuccessful trial in March. The airline received negative feedback on the design and appearance of the containers, which were made from a sustainable material. Singapore Airlines is now working to redevelop its sustainable service ware and will not implement changes “for now.” The airline says it is committed to reducing its environmental impact and will continue to explore ways to do so.

Simple Flying | Related Singapore Airlines says it is bringing back appetisers for economy class meals on medium- and long-haul flights and bread rolls on shorter flights - CNA

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Tulsa International Airport announces free visitor pass program

Tulsa International Airport (TUL) has announced a new program that will allow visitors to enter the secure area of the airport without a boarding pass. The free visitor pass program is designed to make it easier for friends and family to meet and greet passengers, and to provide a more convenient experience for those who need to use the airport's amenities, such as the food court, shops, and restrooms. To obtain a visitor pass, visitors must present a valid photo ID and the name and flight information of the passenger they are visiting.

Tulsa World | Related

Tulsa International Airport Launches Visitor Pass Program - Simple Flying

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More airlines saying ‘leave your passport in your pocket’

A report in Executive Traveller says that biometric scanning is becoming more common in the travel industry. Airlines such as Air New Zealand and British Airways are expanding trials of facial recognition technology, which could soon eliminate the need to present a passport at the airport. Biometrics are seen as the logical next step for travel, as the industry embraces the digital revolution. Faster processing is just one of the benefits of biometric scanning, which can also help to improve security and reduce fraud.

Executive Traveller | Related

Face recognition for priority customers at Berlin Brandenburg Airport - Identity Week

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @akishikama, who put together a photo gallery showcasing the passenger experience on a recent Singapore Airlines flight from Osaka to Singapore. Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

We recently honored the 2023 APEX Regional Passenger Choice Award™ winners from Africa, Europe, North America & South America at #FTEEMEA in Dublin, Ireland. See the full list of award winners here: https://bit.ly/3MwGpEZ

APEX @theAPEXassoc

Association News

APEX/IFSA EXPO

APEX/IFSA EXPO, colocated with FTE Global, is the most comprehensive industry marketplace where airline executives share unique insights and meet with the top exhibitors demonstrating the latest innovation and technology that shapes the future of the end-to-end passenger experience. It takes place from 19-21 September, for more information click here.

> Quote of the Day

"There are Lufthansa call options for 49% (ownership) in a time frame that begins in 2025. For me, that would be the two years we have planned for the turnaround of the company."

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr
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The next newsletter will be out on Tuesday

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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