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June 11, 2021

AA, Virgin Atlantic Order Vertical Aerospace eVTOLs

American Airlines (AA), Virgin Atlantic and leasing company Avolon have together committed to up to 1,000 of UK-based Vertical Aerospace’s VA-X4 four-seat electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The combined deals are worth up to $4 billion. AA has agreed to take 250 aircraft with options for 100 more, and will work with Vertical to develop infrastructure in the US market. Virgin Atlantic will buy between 50 and 150 VA-X4s, while Avolon has committed to 310, with options for a further 190. American and Avolon are also investing in Vertical Aerospace, which is planning an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.

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TSA Expects Staff Shortages at US Airports This Month

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is projecting that 131 US airports will experience staff shortages this month as travel numbers continue to grow. In response, it is asking office employees to volunteer to handle non-screening functions at airports, such as on-boarding new hires and managing security lines, for up to 45 days. The TSA previously announced plans to hire 6,000 security officers to mitigate the shortage, and is now offering a $1,000 bonus to new staff. A spokesperson for the administration said it is receiving an average of 5,000 job applications per week.

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AA Phases Out American Way In-Flight Magazine

After 55 years, American Airlines (AA) is halting the publication of its in-flight magazine, American Way. However, passengers will still have access to travel-related content created in partnership with in-flight magazine publisher, Ink, via the airline’s digital in-flight entertainment offering. Dana Lawrence, managing director, Global Brand Marketing at American Airlines, explained, "It's really just keeping up with our customers and their preferences and how we can offer them the most content.” The carrier also said the move will help the environment by saving paper and stripping weight from its aircraft.

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Anuvu Offers Short-Form Content from Complex Networks

Anuvu has partnered with Complex Networks to offer its clients access to non-traditional short-form content ranging from four to 30 minutes in length. Topics covered by the youth culture brand, which has over 5 million YouTube subscribers, include food, shopping and celebrity culture. A Complex Networks package will be available for Iris customers, with bundles appearing on Iris Plus and individual titles featured in the core subscription. Terri Davies, Anuvu’s SVP Content & Media Services, explained, “While theaters have been closed and we’ve been at home, our appetite for non-traditional content ... has grown.”

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French Aerospace Companies to Test 100% SAF on Single-Aisle Flight

At the end of this year, Airbus, Safran, Dassault Aviation, ONERA and the French Ministry of Transport will analyze the emissions of an Airbus A320 flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) provided by TotalEnergies. The project, known as VOLCAN, is supported by the French government‘s aviation recovery plan. It will contribute to current efforts at Airbus and Safran to ensure the aviation industry is ready for the large-scale deployment and use of SAF and to the goal of achieving 100% SAF certification in single-aisle commercial aircraft.

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AS-IP Tech Completes Ground Testing for fflya IFC

AS-IP Tech has completed ground testing of its fflya Bluetooth in-flight connectivity (IFC) kit, which features an Iridium-supported, dual-window antenna system, onboard a Wizz Air Airbus A321 aircraft. Ron Chapman, AS-IP Tech’s founder and president, said, “Not at any point in time during the entire 8-hour test period did our dual-window antennas not have satellite reception.” The company is now testing live credit card transactions. “We use Bluetooth as it’s more secure, the network is invisible, and we have the range with only one access point,” Chapman explained.

Runway Girl Network | Related VIDEO: Is Bluetooth/LEO Connectivity Coming to Commercial Aviation? – APEX Media

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VietJet, T’Way Air to Test IATA Travel Pass

Vietjet has become the second Vietnamese carrier after Vietnam Airlines to test the IATA Travel Pass, which allows passengers to manage and verify their health credentials in line with travel restrictions. Meanwhile, T’Way Air is the first Korean domestic low-cost carrier to pilot the solution. Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, said that 60,000 people have registered to use the app, and that it “will go live within the next couple of weeks with a number of carriers in the Middle East region.”

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

An Emirates' A380 at Hong Kong International Airport. Captured by @_karl_ng.

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

> Tweet of the Day

A historic day for Flair with the inaugural passenger flight of the first of 13 brand new #737MAX aircraft. #YEG #YYZ

Flair Airlines @FlairAirlines

Association News

ICYMI: Andy Rosen Receives APEX Outstanding Contribution Award

Andy Rosen has become the eleventh recipient of APEX’s Outstanding Contribution Award for his long-term involvement in the development of technical specifications and guidelines produced by the APEX Technology Committee and its working groups. Rosen received his award following the recent APEX/IFSA Board of Governors meeting during FTE APEX Virtual Expo. Find out more about his history with the association.

> Quote of the Day

"Retaining a record and reputation for safety are absolutely essential if you want to stay in this business for the long-term."

Michael Rousseau, Air Canada
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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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