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June 5, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

APEX Announces Ground-Breaking Sustainability Program

The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) has partnered with SimpliFlying to launch a new program called APEX Greener powered by SimpliFlying. The program aims to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and alleviate the environmental impact of air travel, while helping airlines choose greener products. This program is offered by APEX for free to both APEX and IFSA (International Flight Services Association) airline members and provides a shared airline industry database of in-flight airline products and their APEX Greener rating. The rating is backed by technology developed by Finch.

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Qatar Airways To Eliminate First Class In The Future

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker has previously stated that the airline may install a first class cabin on select Boeing 777-9s. However, it looks like that’s not on the cards anymore. Al Baker recently said that first class has no future at the airline. He argues that first class doesn’t justify the returns, since Qatar Airways’ business class offers the same perks as first class on other airlines. Al Baker instead wants to continue offering a world class business class. The newly delivered Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s already only have business classes. Qatar Airways currently offers first class only in a handful of markets.

One Mile At A Time | Related Qatar Airways Scraps Plans For Boeing 777X First Class - Executive Traveller

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Air Canada Plans Bespoke ‘Book The Cook’ Meals In Business Class

Air Canada will borrow a leaf from the cookbook of Star Alliance partner Singapore Airlines and roll out a ‘Book The Cook’-style menu on international business class flights. The Canadian flag-carrier already lets business class and premium economy travelers on some routes select their meal in advance, but that choice is limited to the same menu already offered on board. However, plans are underway to dramatically expand the selection of business class dishes which can be ordered in the days leading up to the flight.

Executive Traveller | Related How Turkish Airlines’ ‘Flying Chefs’ Set The Stage For Five-Star Dining In The Sky - Forbes

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AERQ Completes HIC Testing; Introduces AERENA Experience Studio

AERQ has completed head injury criterion (HIC) testing on the in-seat displays that will fly — as part of its AERENA open IT platform — on an Airbus A320 operated by leisure carrier Eurowings Discover. HIC certification is an important milestone for AERQ. But due to aircraft availability, the company is eyeing aircraft equipage in early 2024 instead of late 2023. The A320 will serve as the test aircraft for AERENA. The implementation for Eurowings Discover and other airline partners will also see AERQ’s new complementary ground infrastructure, called AERENA Experience Studio, pressed into service.

Runway Girl Network | Related Eurowings Discover To Install And Test AERQ Open IT Platform On A320 - Runway Girl Network

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Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air Reveals New Livery

Saudi Arabia-based startup Riyadh Air has unveiled the first of two striking liveries on its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Riyadh Air states that the livery is “a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance.” The primary color schemes used are lavender and blue. The livery includes “RIYADH AIR” written in large bold white letters across the fuselage and the carrier's logo on the tail and engines. The logo is an airplane window, which symbolizes the airline's goal to be “Saudi Arabia’s window to the world.” The stylized letter “R” is designed to evoke birds’ wings in flight.

Simple Flying | Related Airline Startup Riyadh Air Unveils Bold Livery - One Mile at a Time

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Delta One Check-In Area Opens At LAX

Delta has unveiled the latest phase in its Delta Sky Way at LAX project. It comprises a new passenger entry point at Terminal 3 (T3) and a dedicated check-in area for Delta One customers. The new West Headhouse entry features self-service kiosks for dropping bags and printing boarding passes. Later this summer, the carrier plans to introduce digital ID technology at its bag drop and security checkpoints. The exclusive Delta One check-in at T3 offers premium customers a private TSA screening lane and direct access to Delta Sky Club.

Business Traveller | Related Exclusive Delta One Check-In Facility Opens At LAX - One Mile At A Time

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Kuala Lumpur Airport Installs Self-Bag-Drop Solution

The ground handler of Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings has commissioned German provider Materna IPS to provide a self-bag-drop solution. Called Flex.Go, the solution comprises a baggage conveyor system. The Flex.Go kiosks are equipped with an integrated camera system for automatic conveyability checks and tub detection. According to the company, the solution’s high degree of accuracy enables it to measure and use the shape and dimensions of baggage for volume control and classification. The same camera solution can also help prevent inadmissible items from entering the airport’s baggage handling system.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related SITA To Install Self Bag Drop Units At Kuala Lumpur Airport - Airport Technology

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @piloteyes777, showing a Riyadh Air Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Greetings from @ParisAeroport CDG! Great seat, great meal, great service, great entertainment service. Air France got all the latest and greatest bells and whistles right. I LOVE the glowing seahorse or whatever thing. #PaxEx

Jason Rabinowitz @AirlineFlyer

Association News

FTE EMEA

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 in Long Beach, find out more here.

> Quote of the Day

“Why should you invest in a subclass of an aeroplane that already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you? I don’t see the necessity.”

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker
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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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