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June 28, 2021

Lufthansa Brings Back First Class on Flights from Munich

Lufthansa will reactivate five of its retired Airbus A340-600 aircraft in 2022. They will be based in Munich and primarily operate flights to North American and Asian destinations. Lufthansa’s A340-600s feature a four-class layout, including a first-class cabin with eight seats. “As the global travel industry is returning to prior levels of activity, Lufthansa is strengthening its premium services from Munich Airport and will again offer First Class on selected routes.” The jets will be retired again when the carrier receives the first of five A350-900 aircraft, featuring first class, in late 2023.

Business Traveller | Related Lufthansa orders 10 brand-new Airbus and Boeing wide-body jets – Travel Daily Media

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Emirates Expands Use of IATA Travel Pass, Integrates Alhosn App

Emirates is extending the use of the IATA Travel Pass across its entire network in the coming weeks. The app is now available on iOS and Android, and can be used by passengers without biometric passports. It is currently accessible on Emirates flights from the UAE to ten cities, with relevant passengers receiving an SMS and email with instructions on how to download it. From July, Emirates will also integrate Alhosn, the UAE’s official COVID-19-related app, with its check-in systems to allow the secure digital retrieval and verification of passengers’ COVID-19 medical records.

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Eutelsat Launches Eutelsat ADVANCE Managed Connectivity Services

Eutelsat Communications (Eutelsat) has developed an end-to-end managed connectivity service, Eutelsat ADVANCE, that includes a tailored suite of options for the aviation, maritime, enterprise and government sectors. Philippe Oliva, Eutelsat’s CCO, said, “The current context has accentuated the need for worldwide connectivity as more business processes migrate to the cloud.” Available via Eutelsat’s certified network of partners, the offering comprises a management portal and APIs for the optimization and sharing of resources including terrestrial connectivity, Ku- and Ka-band capacity and satellite terminals.

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Ex-Flybe CEO to Head Up TAP Air Portugal

Christine Ourmières-Widener has become CEO at TAP Air Portugal and will continue with the carrier’s ongoing restructuring plan. In a video message to employees, she said, "I am aware that there are many challenges in the restructuring plan. There are difficulties, but also many opportunities in our path over the next few years." Ourmières-Widener trained as an aeronautical engineer, and was previously CEO of now-defunct UK regional carrier Flybe. She is also a member of TAP’s new executive board of directors, which will remain in place until 2024.

The Portugal News | Related Former Flybe Head Appointed CEO of TAP Air Portugal – Airways

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FAA Won't Certify Boeing 777X Until 2023

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has told Boeing that it likely won’t certify the OEM’s 777X aircraft until mid- to late 2023. In a letter from May 13, the FAA cites a concerning lack of data and of a preliminary safety assessment as reasons not to progress the certification process at this time. Boeing has been developing the 777X since 2013, and it will be the first major jet to be certified since two fatal Boeing 737 MAX accidents. “We continue to communicate transparently with the FAA and other global regulators about 777-9 certification,” said a spokesperson for the OEM.

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TSA Brings Back Self-Defense Training for Flight Crew

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will resume a "Crew Member Self-Defense" program across all field offices next week. The four hours of training, which were halted at the start of the pandemic, will help crew deal with "potential physical altercations both on and off the aircraft." Of almost 3,100 unruly passenger incidents this year, approximately 2,350 were a result of passengers refusing to wear a face mask. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants union, commented, "We have never seen this level of aggression or conflict on our planes and we really need some help."

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Chengdu Tianfu Opens its Doors to Passengers

Following five years of construction work, China's Chengdu Tianfu International Airport has officially begun operations. With three runways and two terminals, it currently has the capacity to handle up to 60 million passengers per year. The airport features technology including facial recognition software, self-check-in kiosks, smart security systems, self-boarding gates and robot concierges. Chengdu is the third city in China to have two international airports after Shanghai and Beijing. The country aims to have 400 airports in use by 2035, up from the current 241.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A sunny Sunday in Santo Domingo. Captured by @tativetspotter.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Arriving in style – our @Boeing 787-9 with the new Business Class Suite gets a suitable welcome from one of the world’s most stylish cities #Milan✈️🤩

Qatar Airways @qatarairways

Association News

Nominations are Open for the APEX/IFSA Awards

The APEX/IFSA Awards, which recognize specific achievements made in the past year, are open for nominations across eight categories: APEX Best Inflight Connectivity Innovation, APEX Best Inflight Entertainment Innovation, APEX Best Airport Innovation, APEX Best Marketing Innovation, APEX/IFSA Best Cabin Innovation, APEX/IFSA Best Product or Service, IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage and IFSA Best Onboard Amenity. Submit a nomination before July 16.

> Quote of the Day

"In the past, the industry tended to over-design, to give more power than was needed."

Cedric Rhoads, Thales InFlyt Experience
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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.