Apex Daily Experience

No Images? Open in Browser

July 12, 2023

Go to APEX.AERO

Today's Top Stories

United Airlines CEO Warns Of More Weather Delays As Climate Warms

United Airlines CEO, Scott Kirby, has warned that climate change will cause more flight disruptions. At a recent event, he cited a week of thunderstorms that severely impacted operations at Newark Liberty International Airport. Criticizing carbon offsets as fraudulent, he emphasized United’s focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), despite it currently being expensive and uneconomic. He likened SAF development to the early stages of solar and wind power industries and called for significant government support. United aims for 100% SAF usage by 2046.

SHARE

New Lufthansa First Class Reportedly Delayed Due To Supply Chain Issues

Lufthansa’s new first class offering is facing production delays due to supply chain issues with manufacturer Collins Aerospace. Lufthansa Group CEO, Carsten Spohr, has revealed the situation but no specifics on the revised timelines have been announced. As the airline decides on the best course of action, options could include grounding newly delivered aircraft or temporarily blocking off the forward part of the aircraft. Additionally, there are questions about Lufthansa’s commitment to the new product’s widespread introduction, as it might trial the product with one aircraft.

One Mile At A Time | Related Lufthansa Unveils New First-Class Cabins That Include Double Beds - The Independent

SHARE

Air Canada Opens San Francisco Maple Leaf Lounge

Air Canada has launched its 28th global airport lounge at San Francisco International Airport. The new Maple Leaf Lounge can accommodate up to 165 guests and features amenities like an outdoor terrace, shower rooms, private workstations, a VIP room, and a buffet with local dishes. Business class ticket holders, certain Aeroplan members, Star Alliance Gold members, premium Aeroplan credit card holders, and those purchasing lounge access can use the lounge daily. The announcement follows the opening of Air Canada’s co-branded facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City airport last month.

Business Traveller | Related New Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Opens In San Francisco - Forbes

SHARE

Kontron Pushes For Common Aero Modem Form Factor

The Seamless Air Alliance, a group working on inflight connectivity standards, has grown significantly since its foundation in 2018, with over forty companies joining, including airlines, airframers, telcos, and avionics manufacturers. Hardware manufacturer Kontron is contributing to the alliance, working in two major working groups. Their objective is to standardize and innovate inflight connectivity solutions. Efforts include developing standard Aero Satellite Modems to ease connectivity interoperability, and creating a flexible OS to support any airline’s inflight entertainment and connectivity model. This collaborative approach is fostering industry synergies and technological advances.

Runway Girl Network | Related Kontron Tackles Aviation Supply Chain Constraint With Rapid Innovation - Runway Girl Network

SHARE

Iris Satellite ATC System Takes A Step Forward With ESSP Management

The European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP) has partnered with ViaSat to commercialize the Iris project, set to launch in 2024. Iris will leverage digital satellite communication to provide fuel-efficient routes for airlines, mitigating congested VHF channels currently used. The tool enhances collaboration between pilots and air traffic controllers, optimizing airspace usage, and reducing emissions. Continuous high-bandwidth communication allows flights to cruise at ideal altitudes and use continuous ascent and descent paths, saving fuel and reducing environmental impact. Airlines like easyJet and ITA Airways have already signed up.

Airport Technology | Related Viasat, ESSP Sign Deal To Commercialise IRIS Air Traffic Program - Geospatial World

SHARE

Sabre Taps Into Google’s CO2 Emissions Model To Provide Sustainability Data

Sabre Corporation has integrated Google’s Travel Impact Model (TIM) to display carbon emissions data for flights on its platforms. This move, part of Sabre’s ongoing strategic partnership with Google, aims to help travelers make environmentally conscious decisions. Sabre’s travel agency tool, Sabre Red 360, has already incorporated the emissions data, with the corporate online booking tool GetThere to follow suit later in the year. The partnership also involves migrating Sabre’s data centers to Google Cloud to reduce the company’s overall emissions.

SHARE

Portland International Installs “Seismically Isolated” Roof

Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon is expanding its main terminal, including installing a new roof constructed from regionally and sustainably sourced wood. The roof was pre-built over a year and then disassembled into large sections for transportation. Contractor Mammoet used specialized equipment to safely transport and install the heavy roof panels, weighing up to 632 tons, while minimizing disruption to airport operations. The complex operation includes careful monitoring of the wooden panels for deflection. The first phase of installation is complete, with four more panels due to be added in 2024.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related How Portland Airport’s New Modular Roof Was Assembled And Installed Without Disrupting Flights - New Civil Engineer

SHARE

> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @silishchev, showing a Turkish Airlines Airbus A330-300 in its descent into Phuket Airport.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Delta is planning to configure 21 A321neos for premium domestic transcon routes. What's new, in a recent Q&A with pilots, execs said the airline will not retire the 757s those A321neos replace but reconfigured them for domestic operations. #paxex

Edward Russell @ByERussell

Association News

APEX/IFSA Global EXPO - Register now!

APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, co-located with FTE Global, is where the largest gathering of airline executives from around the world come together to network, forge new partnerships, share unique insights, collaborate and meet with the top exhibitors demonstrating the latest innovation and technology. Join us in Los Angeles for the most comprehensive end-to-end airline passenger experience marketplace in the industry from 19-21 September. Register now - Click here for more details.

> Quote of the Day

“More heat in the atmosphere, thermodynamics 101 — we’re going to have more thunderstorms."

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby
Read the article

The next newsletter will be out 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.

Connect with APEX

You have received this email because you are subscribed to this newsletter from apex.aero.

Change email frequency | Unsubscribe