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June 30, 2021

Bharti to Invest Further $500m in Oneweb

Bharti Global (Bharti) has exercised a call option to invest an additional $500 million in Oneweb, bringing the satellite communications company’s total funding to $2.4 billion. Subject to regulatory approvals, the call option will be completed during the second half of this year, at which time Bharti will own a 38.6% stake in Oneweb. The UK Government, Eutelsat and Softbank will each own 19.3%.“We are intently focused on execution and just ten more launches will enable us to deliver global coverage,” said Neil Masterson, Oneweb’s CEO. It's eighth satellite launch is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

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Australia to Allow Pets in the Aircraft Cabin

Australia’s Civil Aviation Authority (CASA) will relax rules that state only service dogs can fly in the aircraft cabin from December 2, meaning passengers on domestic flights may no longer have to relegate their pets to the cargo hold. However, it will be up to each airline to decide its own policy. “You may need to consider the type of animal and how it is carried, contained and restrained; its reaction to noise and being out of its natural environment; nuisance to other passengers; distraction to flight crew,” said CASA. “A large animal should always be secured so as not to damage or affect the balance of the aircraft in flight.”

Executive Traveller | Related US to Limit Service Animals on Planes to Dogs Only – New York Times

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European Commission to Investigate IAG’s Air Europa Takeover

The European Commission said in a statement that the takeover of Air Europa by IAG may reduce competition in the Spanish domestic market as well as on international routes to and from Spain. “On some routes, IAG and Air Europa have been the only two airlines operating,” it read. The Commission now has 90 days to make a final decision on whether IAG subsidiary Iberia can acquire the entire issued share capital of Air Europa for $595 million. “This transaction makes perfect strategic sense to reinforce Madrid’s hub competitiveness on a global stage,” said Javier Sánchez-Prieto, Iberia’s chief executive.

Simple Flying | Related IAG Slashes Air Europa Purchase Price In Half, Will Pay In Six Years – One Mile at a Time

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Etihad Rolls Out Verified to Fly Initiative Globally

Etihad Airways has extended its Verified To Fly initiative, which allows passengers to upload and authenticate their COVID-19-related travel documents before arriving at the airport via the airline’s “Manage my Booking” page, across its global network. John Wright, Etihad’s VP Global Airports and Network Operations, said, “Verified to Fly has proven hugely popular with our guests, as they get a fast track experience when checking in at the airport.” Early trials showed passengers using the solution saw processing times halved. Verified to Fly is run by Etihad without the involvement of a third party.

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PIT Plans for Green “Smarter Airport” Terminal in 2025

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) plans to open the first airport terminal in the world that is powered by its own solar microgrid and natural gas sourced from airport land in 2025. The $1.39 billion, 700,000 square-foot facility will be developed by nearby Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh and other local technology firms, and will support 5,000 new jobs. PIT’s CEO, Christina Cassotis, said, “Our Smarter Airport will show, and in many cases implement, the incredible current and future innovation coming out of the region. The new PIT will be a destination both for travellers to and for residents of the area.”

Business Traveller | Related Fast Company Names Pittsburgh International Airport One of the World’s Most Innovative Companies – Fly Pittsburgh

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Air Caraïbes Launches New Business-Class Amenity Kits

Air Caraïbes has introduced new business-class amenity kits designed by Bayart Innovations. The kits consist of a sweat bag with a loop patch logo reading MADRAS. The bags come in four different colors – a pale or dark grey and a pale or dark blue – and include an eye-mask with nose cover, a dental kit, a pair of socks, a shoe bag, a comb, a pair of earplugs and a pair of headphone covers. The MADRAS kits also feature a full set of L’Occitane cosmetic products, including the brand’s almond hand cream, shea face cream and a lip balm.

PAX International | Related Air Caraïbes receives its second Airbus A350-1000 – Aviaconline

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No1 Lounges Acquired by SwissportALD Joint Venture

Airport Dimensions and Swissport have acquired No1 Lounges through a joint venture, SwissportALD. The pair will now operate nine No1 Lounges throughout the UK, including at London Gatwick and London Heathrow, which will again become available to Priority Pass members. No1 Lounges will retain its branding and continue to offer its existing products, including Premium Security at London Gatwick. John Upton, CEO at No1 Lounges, said, “The new funding will enable us to further enhance No1’s lounge experience so that we continue to offer innovation and choice for our customers.”

Airport World | Related SWISSPORT ACQUIRES NO1 LOUNGES IN AUSTRALIA – SWISSPORT

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A LATAM Airbus A321 at Goiânia International Airport. Captured by @isaque_aviation.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Is this the beginning of @Delta providing seamless #airline #IFEC connectivity? Looking forward to #airline customer experience app reviews for @theAPEXassoc! Be sure to include in @TripIt for APEX Official Airline Ratings!

Dr. Joe Leader @joepleader

Association News

Don't Miss FTE Global in Las Vegas!

Future Travel Experience's 15th anniversary FTE Global event, which is co-located with the FTE Ancillary show, will take place from December 7-9 at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. A brand-new hybrid event concept, FTE Global+, will see the in-person event complimented by online participation to further amplify its reach. The theme of the show is "New Approaches for a New World." Learn more.

> Quote of the Day

"“There’s up to 60 watts of power at a remote outlet for laptops that are USB-C."

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.

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