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June 15, 2021

Star Alliance Expands Biometrics Platform with SITA, NEC

A new agreement between Star Alliance, NEC and SITA will see participants in alliance member airlines’ frequent flyer programs able to use their biometric identity across any participating airline at any participating airport. The Star Alliance Biometrics platform and NEC’s I:Delight identity management solution, which is already being used by Star Alliance members, will be connected to SITA’s Smart Path solution. “With this agreement the benefits of biometric identity will be extended from a single airline or journey to a vast network of airlines. That is truly unique,” said SITA’s CEO, Barbara Dalibard.

Business Wire | Related Star Alliance’s Biometrics Platform Enhances Airline and Airport COVID-19 Safety Collaboration – APEX Media

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Duty-Free Success on South Korean “Flights to Nowhere”

Data compiled by the Korea Customs Service shows that nearly 16,000 people embarked on “flights to nowhere” offered by South Korean airlines between December 2020 and May 2021. Passengers on the flights spent over $20 million on duty-free products, with the most-purchased items including cosmetics, bags and perfumes. Average occupancy rates on the flights were 73.5%, over three times more than international flights in March 2021. A spokesperson for the Korea Customs service said it would continue to support flights to nowhere “with quick customs clearance” for the rest of the year.

Korea Herald | Related What it was like on board the Qantas supermoon flight to nowhere – CNN

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Pandemic Leads to Emirates’ First Full-Year Loss in Over 30 Years

Emirates suffered a net loss of $5.5 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2021, marking the first time the carrier hasn’t turned a profit in over 30 years. The airline’s passenger numbers dropped by 88% year-over-year, while revenues plummeted by 66%. Despite the loss, Emirates said it is still committed to taking delivery of 200 new aircraft in line with its “long-standing strategy of operating a modern and efficient fleet.” Although the carrier received $3.1 billion in government support, it has reduced its workforce by 31% to approximately 75,000 employees.

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Air France Receives Diamond-Level Health Safety Certification

Air France has achieved a Diamond-level certification following its participation in the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying audit. Fabien Pelous, SVP Customer Experience at Air France, said, "This new distinction is a source of pride and an honour for all the Air France teams that are mobilized on a daily basis to ensure the health and safety of our customers at this unprecedented time.” SimpliFlying’s CEO, Shashank Nigam, added, “Its hospital-grade health safety measures position Air France as an airline leader during the pandemic.”

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Southwest Grounds Fleet Following Weather Data Outage

Over 1,400 Southwest Airlines flights were delayed on Monday evening after the carrier had to ground its entire fleet. The “ground stop” came as flight crews were unable to receive weather information from a third party provider experiencing what Southwest referred to as “intermittent performance issues.” Southwest spokesperson Dan Landson explained that such information is required to safely operate aircraft. The issue began at around 9:00 p.m. ET, but the system was back online by midnight, when some flights were able to resume.

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InflightFlix Creates VisitIreland.TV Destination Video Guide Initiative

Destination video guide company InflightFlix is seeking funding for a new initiative called VisitIreland.TV. The goal is to create 32 video destination guides, one for each country in Ireland, with each video listing 30 top attractions. The content will then be shared for two years across airline in-flight entertainment systems, hotel bedroom TVs and at overseas Irish bars at no cost to the businesses featured. “We've presented VisitIreland.TV to 27 of the 29 airlines serving Ireland that have in-flight entertainment,” said InflightFlix’s founder, Martin O’Regan. The funding target is approximately $120,000 per county.

Irish Central | Related Viasat & InflightFlix to Stream Video Destination Guides – APEX Media

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Finnair Further Unbundles Business Class Fares

Finnair is offering a new business-class fare in addition to its Classic and Flex tickets. Business Light, which includes carry-on baggage only, is designed for leisure travellers that want to travel comfortably but affordably. Reservation changes, refunds, airport priority services, lounge access and in-flight Wi-Fi can be purchased for an extra fee. “There is an increasing need to personalize the travel experience,” said Ole Orvér, Finnair’s CCO. “We will be adding more choice and personalization opportunities to our offering as we re-introduce services and prepare for a ramp-up of our operations.”

Aviation 24 | Related Premium Economy Is Still Coming To Finnair Despite Delay – Simple Flying

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

After a monsoon shower at Cochin International Airport. Captured by @navaajyoth.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Departing to Seoul. First flight to Asia since the start of the pandemic! Signs of normality in the air. @Finnair⁩ #feelfinnair

Topi Manner @TopiManner

Association News

ICYMI: Dr. Joe Leader Comments on Unruly Passenger Incidents

APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader was featured in a recent article addressing the rising number of incidents involving unruly passengers. Although Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, believes “We’ve never seen it so bad,” Dr. Leader said, “We should see a reduction in unruly behavior as both airlines and governments are taking more of a ‘zero tolerance’ stance against aggressive passengers.” Read the full article.

> Quote of the Day

"We’re all going through an adjustment period, but eventually we’ll remember how life used to be."

Sara Rathner, Nerdwallet
Read the article

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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