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June 4, 2021

Alaska Joins Boeing ecoDemonstrator Program

Over a five-month period, Alaska Airlines will work with nine partners to flight test approximately 20 sustainable technologies on a new Boeing 737-9 as part of the OEM’s ecoDemonstrator program, which began in 2012. Starting this summer, tests will be conducted on a new fire extinguishing agent for aircraft that reduces effects on the ozone layer, and a cabin sidewall panel made from recycled carbon composite material used during Boeing 777X wing production. After five months, the 737-9 aircraft will be configured for passenger service and delivered to Alaska.

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UK Airlines Respond to Portugal’s Move to “Amber List”

The UK’s airlines have criticized the government’s movement of Portugal to its “amber list,” meaning passengers are required to quarantine on their return. EasyJet’s CEO, Johan Lundgren, commented, "With Portuguese rates similar to those in the UK, it simply isn't justified by the science." Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, said the government "should also explain why those countries such as Malta, or Islands such as the Balearics and the Canaries, who have significantly lower COVID-19 case rates than the UK, have not been added to the UK Green List."

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Viasat to Lease Capacity from Avanti Communications

From October 2021, Viasat will leverage Ka-band capacity from Avanti Communications’ HYLAS 4 and HYLAS 2 satellites to provide additional coverage for mobility customers across the Middle East and Western Europe. "In working with Avanti, we can bring additional short-term capacity to the mobility and enterprise markets, enabling us to serve more customers, win new business and establish deeper market presence and penetration ahead of our ViaSat-3 satellite launch aimed over Europe, Middle East and Africa," explained Jimmy Dodd, president, Global Enterprise and Mobility at Viasat.

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Copa Introduces New Cabins on Select Flights

Passengers flying with Copa Airlines from Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport to Montevideo, Uruguay; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Los Angeles, US now have access to the carrier’s Dreams business class and Economy Extra products. Copa’s business-class cabin has 16 lie-flat seats with 16-inch in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens and in-seat power. Economy Extra offers 24 extra-legroom seats with 10-inch IFE screens and in-seat power. The carrier has also introduced a wireless IFE solution, Copa Showpass, on its Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet, which are being used on the routes.

Simple Flying | Related Copa Airlines and Panama participate in IATA Travel Pass trial – Aerospace Technology

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Recaro to Supply Aeroflot with Over 10,000 Seats

Recaro Aircraft Seating is to equip Aeroflot’s entire Airbus fleet with its BL3710 economy-class product and CL4710 business-class product. The contract will cover over 10,000 seats in total and is expected to be complete by 2028. The first aircraft to feature the two seat models entered service on May 25. The economy-class seats have leather dress covers, while the business class seats are covered in fabric and leather. The CL4710 seat was designed for medium- and short-haul flights with an ergonomic backrest with a five-inch recline. The BL3710 seat weighs less than 10 kilograms.

Recaro Aircraft Seating | Related Aeroflot adds first A320neo to fleet – Aeroflot

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Boston Logan Pilots Virtual Security Queues

Since April, Boston Logan airport has been testing a virtual security line with Accesso Technology Group. Accesso’s Qsmart platform allows passengers to join a virtual queue from their mobile device without downloading an app. A countdown feature shows users their remaining wait time, and they are notified when it’s their turn. When passengers arrive at security, airport staff scan a QR code on their device. Kwang Chen, CIO at Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates Boston Logan, said, “Our goal ... is to see if a virtual queue improves the customer experience.”

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Seattle-Tacoma Airport trials virtual queuing and touchless tech – Future Travel Experience

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Western Sydney Airport Reveals Terminal Design

The design of Western Sydney International Airport’s terminal, which is scheduled to open in 2026, aims to reduce the stresses associated with airport travel. Its façade will be covered with high-performance glass to allow natural light in while regulating the temperature and conserving energy. Simon Hickey, the airport’s chief executive, said aboriginal community members were consulted on the design of the terminal's interior. The forecourt is set to be a destination in its own right, featuring areas for produce markets, festivals and community events.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

The Embraer E195 that operated Breeze Airways' first flight. Captured by @theairchive.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Following yesterday's official opening of @Airbus' £40m Aerospace Integrated Research and Test Centre #AIRTeC by @beisgovuk SoS @KwasiKwarteng, we thought you might like to see how it began and take a virtual look around (best w/ sound)...

Airbus in the UK @AirbusintheUK

Association News

Save the Date for the 2021 APEX EXPO

APEX EXPO is set to be the first major in-person industry event of 2021. Taking place October 19-21 in Long Beach, California, APEX EXPO acts as an industry marketplace where airline CEOs, executives and decision makers have the opportunity to meet with more than 300 exhibitors demonstrating the latest innovations helping to shape the end-to-end passenger experience. Learn more.

> Quote of the Day

"While we’re a really competitive industry, there are many things we work together on that make things better for our customers."

Scott Kirby, United
Read the article

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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