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May 27, 2021

Boeing Reaches Settlement Agreement with FAA

A settlement agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will see Boeing pay at least $17 million in penalties and undertake multiple corrective actions with regard to its production processes within a certain timeframe, or risk facing up to $10.1 million in additional fines. The FAA found Boeing installed equipment on 759 Boeing 737 MAX and NG aircraft containing sensors that were not approved for that equipment; submitted approximately 178 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for airworthiness certification when the aircraft potentially had nonconforming slat tracks installed; and improperly marked those slat tracks.

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Qantas Ponders Vaccine Incentives

Qantas is considering offering frequent flyer points, status points or flight vouchers to people that have received both doses of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines. The potential move follows recent research suggesting that Australia’s success in all but eliminating community transmission of COVID-19 has lowered the sense of urgency around vaccination. Stephanie Tully, the airline’s CCO, said, “Qantas is a big supporter of Australia’s vaccine rollout because of what it means for public health, but also because it’s the key to keeping our domestic borders open and safely restarting international travel as well.”

Sunshine Coast Daily | Related Qantas brings the Boeing 787 onto domestic flights – Executive Traveller

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Breeze Opts for Anuvu Wireless IFE

US startup Breeze Airways’ Embraer E195 and E190 aircraft will be equipped with the Airconnect IFE Pro wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) solution from Anuvu, formerly Global Eagle. The system’s hardware received a supplemental type certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration in May. “While a low-cost airline, Breeze’s mission is to provide guests with a “seriously nice” travel experience. One way to ensure that is with a creative, simple and low-cost wireless IFE solution to entertain our customers,” said Lukas Johnson, CCO at Breeze Airways.

Global Eagle | Related Global Eagle unveils new Anuvu brand at FTE APEX Virtual Expo 2021 – Future Travel Experience

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Airbus Reveals Plans to Increase Production Rates

In anticipation of a recovery to pre-COVID levels between 2023 and 2025, Airbus is aiming for an average production rate of 45 A320 family aircraft per month by the fourth quarter of this year. The OEM has told suppliers to prepare for this to increase to 64 per month by 2Q23, to 70 per month by 1Q24 and to 75 by 2025. A220 family production will grow from five aircraft per month to six early next year, but Airbus believes this number could reach 14 by 2025. The current production rate for A350 family aircraft will also increase from five to six per month by autumn 2022.

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AA Strikes New IFE Partnerships

Partnerships with Rosetta Stone and Skillshare will enable American Airlines passengers to access 150 creative or language classes via a dedicated Lifestyle channel on its in-flight entertainment system from June 1. Initial language classes will be available in French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese and Japanese, with more to be added in the coming months. Skillshare classes will include Sketchbook Illustration and Travel Photography. The Lifestyle channel will also include mindfulness exercises from Calm and Austin City Limits’ live music and concert performances.

American Airlines | Related Mindvalley added to Emirates IFE Line-Up – Inflight-Online

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Lufthansa’s New Economy-Class Catering Concept Takes Off

Lufthansa’s economy-class passengers on European flights over 60 minutes long can now purchase items such as a Falafel Tahini Salad, Crunchy Chicken Bowl, Bircher Muesli or apple crumble cake. The dishes are prepared at Lufthansa’s Frankfurt and Munich hubs by Gate Gourmet according to recipes from gastronomy company dean&david. The menu also offers confectionery and patisserie items from Dallmayr, as well as hot beverages including a specialty Ethiopian coffee that supports various humanitarian projects.

Lufthansa Group | Related Retail inMotion Talks Green, Sustainable Menu Strategies – APEX Media

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LAX Opens Tom Bradley International Terminal

Los Angeles International Airport’s $1.73 billion Tom Bradley International Terminal is now open to passengers. Known as the West Gates, the five-level, 15-gate facility took over four years to complete with input from 8,500 individuals. It is equipped with two nursing rooms, a service-animal relief area, art exhibitions, a quiet room and three children's play areas. Passengers can access super-fast Wi-Fi 6 via Boingo and 14 interactive kiosks providing relevant information, including personalized wayfinding maps that can be sent to user’s personal device via a QR code.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A Spirit Airlines Airbus A320 racing down the runway. Captured by @airside_ash.

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

> Tweet of the Day

@BreezeAirways is launching this morning at @FlyTPA with CEO David Neeleman announcing, “We’ll get you there twice as fast at half the price!”

Dr. Joe Leader @joepleader

Association News

Job Alert: Account Manager, West Entertainment

West Entertainment is looking for a positive and passionate Account Manager for the world of in-flight entertainment. You will support the Account Director in servicing one of the world’s leading airlines with their entertainment needs and ensuring their long-term success. Fluent Japanese language is preferred, but not essential. The position’s location is flexible, but service hours are JST (Japan Standard Time). To find out more, please email talent@westent.com.

> Quote of the Day

“We see the wireless IFE portal as a gateway to broader e-commerce success and enhanced ancillary revenue for our airline partners.”

Job Heimerikx, AirFi
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Until 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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