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June 16, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Qantas Unveils World-First Wellbeing Zone For Project Sunrise Flights

Qantas today gave details of the passenger experience on the direct Sydney to New York and London flights that it intends to introduce in 2025. This includes an area that Qantas says is a world-first – a Wellbeing Zone, located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins of the A350 aircraft. Called ‘Project Sunrise’, work on redesigning the cabin for ultra long-haul flights began in 2019. The reconfigured aircraft will fly 238 passengers for up to 22 hours non-stop from Australia to almost any destination in the world. The Wellbeing Zone will have sculpted wall panels, integrated stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise program, a hydration station and refreshments.

APEX Media | Related

Qantas Unveils Airbus A350 Project Sunrise Cabin With Wellbeing Zone - Simple Flying

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Turkish Airlines to start Australian flights in December

Turkish Airlines is planning to launch thrice-weekly flights from Melbourne to Istanbul via Singapore starting in December. Turkish Airlines chairman Ahmet Bolat confirmed the plans during the recent IATA annual general meeting in Istanbul, stating that the service will initially have limited frequency and involve a stopover in Singapore. Melbourne's Turkish population is seen as an advantage for the airline. Bolat hopes to eventually operate daily flights to Melbourne and Sydney, and is considering adding Perth and Brisbane to the network. While the flights will initially use Boeing 787 aircraft, Bolat aims to introduce non-stop flights using new ultra-long-range jets in the future.

Executive Traveller | Related Turkish Airlines Plans To Fly To Australia (Finally!) - One Mile at a Time

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Japan Airlines to upgrade 50 Boeing 737s and 767s to Intelsat’s 2Ku inflight connectivity solution

Japan Airlines (JAL) has reached an agreement to upgrade about 50 Boeing 737s and 767s to Intelsat’s 2Ku inflight connectivity solution. “Intelsat has been a trusted partner of JAL since 2013,” said Mitsuko Tottori, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience, Japan Airlines. “Working with Intelsat, we are able to offer more robust inflight connectivity for our passengers." In addition to the fleet of Boeing 737s and 767s, JAL’s subsidiary airline, J-AIR Co. Ltd. is currently installing Intelsat’s 2Ku system on the carrier’s fleet of Embraer E190 aircraft. J-AIR will complete installation of the 2Ku system on 14 E190s by the end of 2024. When completed, J-AIR will be the first regional airline in Japan to offer inflight entertainment and connectivity services.

Future Travel Experience | Related

Intelsat’s 2Ku connectivity upgrade to Japan Airlines - Sat News

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Frontier Airlines To Test APiJET's Real-Time Route Optimization Technology

Frontier Airlines is partnering with APiJET to test the latter's 'Digital Winglets', a real-time flight route optimization system utilizing NASA-developed TASAR technology. This technology scans 500-800 possible routes per minute, using real-time weather, traffic, and aircraft performance data to calculate optimal routings. Frontier, an ultra-low-cost carrier focused on sustainability, aims to achieve fuel savings, reduce emissions, and improve operational efficiency. APiJET's Digital Winglets can provide an average fuel savings of 1.75%, and NASA estimates the technology could cut around 545,000 metric tons of emissions annually across US domestic operations.

Simple Flying | Related Frontier relies on Lufthansa Systems charting solution - Runway Girl

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You tag it: Alaska Airlines makes checking luggage faster at Sea-Tac

Alaska Airlines is investing $2.5 billion in an initiative to replace its check-in kiosks across the US with self-service bag-tag stations. At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the initiative is being run as part of the SEA Gateway project, a collaboration between Alaska Airlines and the Port of Seattle, aimed at reducing congestion in the airport lobby. Once fully implemented, passengers will be required to check-in online before arriving at the airport, and the ticketing area will be dedicated to baggage drop-off. The self-service kiosks have already been installed in one section of the ticketing area. Alaska Airlines is headquartered in Sea-Tac, and the airport is one of its largest hubs.

Seattle Times | Related Alaska Airlines Adds Portland To Miami Flights - One Mile at a Time

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airBaltic Is Now Using AI To Support Its Marketing Strategy

airBaltic plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into its marketing strategy and various operations to enhance efficiency and expand its services. The company will leverage AI for its upcoming marketing campaign, utilizing Microsoft Bing's Image Creator powered by OpenAI's DALL-E AI generator. The airline is also employing AI technologies in software development, such as GitHub Copilot, to facilitate faster code writing and the creation of SkyTalker, an in-house chatbot for improved document retrieval and customer service efficiency. CEO Martin Gauss says that airBaltic aims to provide a seamless customer experience and remain at the forefront of innovative AI-driven solutions.

Simple Flying | Related airBaltic Launches Winter Base In Canary Islands - One Mile at a Time

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Europe's travel strikes in June and July: When, where and what disruption you can expect

Airport workers across Europe are engaging in strike action to protest what they say is low pay and poor working conditions. In France, ongoing protests against an increase in the retirement age have disrupted travel, with air traffic controller strikes causing flight cancellations. Strikes at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports in Scotland have been averted after pay deals were reached. However, security staff at London Heathrow Airport plan to go on strike over pay, potentially affecting summer travel. Italy has seen strikes in public transport, airports, and air traffic control, leading to regional disruptions. In Spain, pilots have called for strikes against Air Europa and Air Nostrum.

Euronews | Related

These are all the strikes at European airports you need to watch out for right now - Time Out

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

"Located in Terminal 2 after US Preclearance and beside the US departure gates, the @51standgreen Lounge at Dublin Airport is a beautifully designed oasis", thank you to Runway Girl for sharing this excellent #paxex experience, which is our Instagram image of the day. Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

Your first look at the Qantas Airbus A350’s unique Wellbeing Zone: stand, stretch and briefly socialise on those non-stop flights to London and New York https://executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-a350-wellbeing-wellness-zone @Airbus @Qantas @theAPEXassoc @RunwayGirl #PaxEx #aviation

Executive Traveller @Exec_Traveller/

Association News

APEX/IFSA EXPO - Register now!

APEX/IFSA EXPO, colocated with FTE Global, is where airline executives share unique insights and meet with the top exhibitors demonstrating the latest innovation and technology. Join us in Long Beach for the most comprehensive end-to-end airline passenger experience marketplace in the industry from 19-21 September. Registrations are now open - Click here for more details.

Take Home an APEX/IFSA Award This Year – Nominations are Due 30 June

APEX & IFSA are proud to announce the return of the APEX/IFSA Awards program. Submissions are being accepted now across five awards categories: Best Inflight Connectivity, Best Inflight Entertainment, Best Cabin, Best Inflight Food or Beverage, and Best Onboard Amenity. Winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 20 September as part of the 2023 EXPO taking place in Long Beach, California. Submit your APEX/IFSA award nomination here.

> Quote of the Day

“Fewer seats translate to more space for each customer and a dedicated Wellbeing Zone for travellers to stretch, help themselves to a snack and spend time out of their seat. We are the only airline in the world that will have a bespoke designed onboard stretch and movement space.”

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce
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The next newsletter will be out 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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