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June 7, 2021

Some Qantas Employees Involved in Organized Crime, Report Claims

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission has allegedly discovered Qantas has been infiltrated by organized crime groups that are using the airline to smuggle drugs. Anonymous sources said there are up to 150 Qantas employees linked to criminal activity. Luke Bramah, group chief security officer at Qantas, said, “We have not been advised of any current investigations of Qantas Group employees involved in organized crime. If concerns are raised regarding any of our employees, we will actively support their investigation and take appropriate action.”

Sydney Morning Herald | Related Qantas accelerates cost cuts as $1.5bn loss looms – BBC

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France Outlines Plans for International Travel

From June 9, vaccinated travelers visiting France from Europe and seven other “green” countries – Australia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea – won’t be required to provide a negative test result. Vaccinated visitors from from “orange” countries, including the US and UK, will no longer have to quarantine, but will need a recent negative PCR or antigen test result. Visitors from the 16 countries on France’s “red” list, including India and Brazil, must quarantine for seven days if vaccinated and 10 days if unvaccinated.

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First Satellite in ViaSat-3 Constellation Prepares for Launch

The first satellite in Viasat’s ViaSat-3 constellation has completed payload integration and performance testing. It is now at the Boeing Satellite Systems facility in El Segundo, California, where the payload will be integrated with a satellite bus based on Boeing's 702 platform. Following that, the satellite will undergo environmental testing that simulates launch and operation in space. "Once complete, we will be ready to put the world's highest-capacity single satellite into geostationary orbit," said Dave Ryan, president, Viasat Space & Commercial Networks. Viasat is aiming to launch ViaSat-3 in early 2022.

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Helisul Aviation Orders Up to 50 Eve eVTOLs

Eve Urban Air Mobility and Helisul Aviation are creating a suite of products and services to support urban air mobility operations in Brazil. Their partnership includes an order from Helisul for up to 50 of Eve’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. First, the companies will work on a proof of concept operation, using helicopters to validate parameters that will apply to future eVTOL operations. “Our team will provide comprehensive services, including Urban Air Traffic Management solutions, while benefiting from Helisul’s unique market position,” said Andre Stein, president and CEO, Eve Urban Air Mobility.

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Schiphol to Pilot Click and Collect Service

In collaboration with Schiphol Airport Retail and Kappé, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is testing a click and collect service that will allow passengers to browse and reserve products available from airport retailers online. The schiphol.nl website will display products including perfume, cosmetics, sunglasses, alcohol and chocolate from shops located beyond security. Passengers can order products online up to two hours before departure using their flight details and pay on collection. The move follows feedback from passenger surveys.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related New outfits for Schiphol employees – Schiphol

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Plaza Premium Group Partners with DragonPass International

Plaza Premium Group and Dragon Pass International have entered a strategic partnership to provide their corporate clients with access to end-to-end airport hospitality products and services via a digitally-led distribution solution. Their combined portfolios cover lounges, ground transportation, dining, concierge services and more. Bora Isbulan, Plaza Premium Group’s CCO, said, “In the post COVID-19 era we will see greater demand for navigated airport services ... The collaboration with DragonPass will help us meet these needs in more locations around the world.”

Plaza Premium Group | Related Plaza Premium Group launches PPL Pass – Moodie Davitt Report

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Rockbot Partners with CCA on In-Airport TV

Rockbot has partnered with Clear Channel Airports (CCA) to provide sports, news, entertainment and lifestyle content localized to each city on in-airport TV networks. The Rockbot Airport TV Network replaces CNN’s now shuttered news format and has begun rolling out at US airports. Garrett Dodge, Rockbot’s CEO, said, “The network delivers real-time cloud-based digital signage to give airports a streamlined ability to message their travelers and prompt their concession partners. We have created a modernized TV environment for airports, advertisers and travelers.”

Aviation Pros | Related Clear Channel Airports Integrates Validated Audience Impressions Methodology Across Media Displays – Clear Channel Outdoor

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

It’s a NEO dawn, it’s a NEO day. Captured by @avgeekjake.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Lots of people talking about the work from home vs office tradeoffs. But why aren’t companies offering “work from a plane 1 day per week?” By far the most productive work focus environment. Free startup idea: a plane that flies around in circles for coworking.

Brandon Taleisnik @btaleisnik

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

"COVID-19 showed us the consequences when people don’t feel safe – 90% of our traffic disappeared overnight."

Michael Rousseau, Air Canada
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Until 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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