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June 14, 2021

US Travel Continues to Rebound, Mask Rules Relaxed for Vaccinated

On Friday, the US Transport Security Administration (TSA) screened two million passengers in a single day for the first time since March 2020. Darby LaJoye, acting head of the TSA, said the milestone “demonstrates a high level of confidence in COVID-19 countermeasures.” Elsewhere, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said vaccinated travelers don’t need to wear masks in outdoor spaces at transportation hubs, including airports. However, it advises unvaccinated individuals should still wear masks in these areas, and everyone should wear them indoors while waiting for and onboard public transport.

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PLAY Unveils Casual Cabin Crew Uniforms

Icelandic low-cost carrier PLAY has revealed its activewear-inspired cabin crew uniforms designed by couple Gunni Hilmars and Kolla to embody the brand’s core values, including simplicity, playfulness, competitiveness and equality. “We tried to scrap the constrictive rules often associated with these uniforms and include relaxed fits, stretchy fabrics and of course, shoes meant for working on your feet!” the pair explained. The uniforms are not gender-specific, so crew can choose whatever works for them from a range of items. Instructions regarding hair, make up, tattoos and nail polish are also gone, according to the airline.

The DesignAir | Related Icelandic Carrier PLAY Reveals Stunning Airbus A321neo – Simple Flying

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Stobart Air, Air Antwerp Cease Operations

Stobart Air has ceased operations after failing to find a buyer. The company operated Aer Lingus’ regional flights across the UK and Ireland, and has nearly 500 employees. Esken, the company that owns Stobart Air, said it will continue to fund the leases on eight aircraft until 2023, but will try to find someone to sublease them. Regional carrier Air Antwerp has also ceased operations less than two years after being launched by Cityjet and KLM. The carrier was formed following the demise of Belgian regional airline VLM and operated a fleet of Fokker 50 aircraft.

The Guardian | Related Air Antwerp Ceases Operations – Business Traveller

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Delta Brings Back Hot Meals, Snacks on Select Domestic Flights

This week, hot meal service is returning to Delta One and First Class passengers across five domestic markets, and includes the addition of locally sourced sourdough bread and batch-churned, slow-cultured butter. On the same flights, Delta One, First Class and Delta Comfort+ passengers can enjoy complimentary snacks including Kind Energy bars, while Flight Fuel snack boxes offering protein bars, chips and chocolate are available for purchase in economy class. "We're working to ramp up our service while following Mayo Clinic recommendations," said Mike Crowley, VP Onboard Service Operations at Delta.

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Southwest Celebrates 50 Years with Podcast

To celebrate 50 years of flying, Southwest partnered with L.A. Times Studios and At Will Media to create a public-facing, 20-episode podcast series, "Is This Seat Open?” The podcast is available to passengers through Southwest’s in-flight entertainment portal or its iHeartRadio app. It is also available on the ground via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Hosted by Southwest employees Quinnie Jenkins and Lucas Hershberger, episodes cover everything from the story of Herb Kelleher, Southwest’s founder, to an exploration of all the carriers' cabin crew uniforms over the last half a century.

PR Newswire | Related Southwest Airlines releases app-free IFEC – Future Travel Experience

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Airbus Creates Zero-Emission Development Centres in Europe

Airbus has created Zero-Emission Development Centres (ZEDCs) at its sites in Bremen, Germany and Nantes, France. The goal of the centres is to achieve a cost-competitive manufacturing process for cryogenic fuel tanks to support the future launch of its ZEROe hybrid-hydrogen concept aircraft. The project will cover elementary parts, assembly, systems integration and cryogenic testing of the final liquid hydrogen tank system. Both ZEDCs will be fully operational by 2023 to build the tanks ahead of the first ZEROe flight test, which is scheduled for 2025.

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Milan Linate Airport Opens New Terminal

Milan Linate Airport has inaugurated its new terminal. The $48 million project carried out by airport operator SEA Group entailed a redesign of the check-in area, which now has a double-height ceiling, creating larger boarding lounges and installing a new shopping gallery and food court. New technology means passengers can board using facial recognition, and are no longer required to separate liquids and electronics during security screening. A partnership with the Triennale Design Museum sees the installation of historical works by famous Italian designers throughout the space.

The Moodie Davitt Report | Related New Terminal Inaugurated at Milan-Linate Airport – Airways

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Up close with the undercarriage of a jumbo. Captured by @matt_cartstravel787.

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

> Tweet of the Day

'healthy flying' used to just be about stretching your legs to avoid DVT or drinking lots of water to hydrate - not any more! Now it's about HEPA filters, touchless/contactless procedures and UV decontamination systems

Sally Gethin @gethinsinflight

Association News

Just Ten Days Left to Access FTE APEX Virtual Expo!

FTE APEX Virtual Expo will remain open as a resource until 23:59 BST on June 25, so that visitors can continue to access the portal to revisit the exhibition hall or watch conference presentations and supplier pitch sessions. The live days on May 25 and 26 attracted registrations from 189 airlines and 173 airports. Enter the virtual event now.

> Quote of the Day

“COVID-19 has brought out the best in some air travelers and the worst in others.”

Dr. Joe Leader, APEX/IFSA
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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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