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July 19, 2021

FlightPlan III: Zero-COVID Not an Option, Says IATA’s Willie Walsh

The first session of FlightPlan III: C-Suite Week, developed by Inmarsat Aviation and APEX, saw the BBC’s Aaron Heslehurst interview IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh. Walsh said the association’s current focus is on “trying to convince governments that they need to look at reopening borders, based on the risk that exists.” He continued, “The risk that we’re dealing with today in terms of this virus is completely different to the unknown risk we were dealing with 15 months ago. Governments have tons of data available to them now, but are effectively putting in place the same measures as before.”

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Plaza Premium to Manage Virgin Atlantic Lounges

Plaza Premium is to run all of Virgin Atlantic’s lounges, except its London Heathrow Clubhouse, which will continue to be managed by the carrier. The announcement was made in conjunction with the reopening of the airline's refreshed New York JFK Clubhouse. As a result, Plaza Premium Group members can purchase access to Virgin Atlantic’s worldwide lounges from today. Bora Isbulan, Plaza Premium Group’s CCO, said the two companies “have also agreed on the co-development of lounges in other key hubs within Virgin Atlantic’s network,” and that more details would be revealed soon.

Business Traveller | Related Inside the reopening of Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow Terminal 3 and refreshed Clubhouse – The Points Guy

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Tokyo Haneda Airport Deploys Collins Aerospace Biometrics Solution

Collins Aerospace has installed its ARINC SelfPass biometrics solution at Tokyo Haneda Airport. The system, presented to passengers as “Face Express,” includes 98 self-service check-in kiosks, 30 biometric enrolment kiosks, 104 biometric devices for self-bag drop, 17 biometric automated security gates and 42 biometric automated self-boarding gates. Passengers moving through Tokyo Haneda Airport will now be able to drop their bags, enter security and board flights using facial recognition.

Collins Aerospace | Related Face Express: ANA introduces facial recognition boarding on international flights – Travel Daily Media

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IATA Travel Pass to Accept Accredify Test Credentials

A new partnership will see Accredify’s COVID-19 Test Credentials accepted by IATA Travel Pass. Travelers can visit any of Accredify’s 900 partner labs and clinics to receive their COVID-19 swab test. The result is simultaneously sent to the passenger and automatically uploaded to the IATA Travel Pass. Accredify co-developed Singapore's template for digital COVID-19 test results, the HealthCerts schema, which has since been mandated by the Singapore government. Elsewhere, China Southern has become the first carrier in mainland China to test the IATA Travel Pass.

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AA Commits to Science-Backed Emissions Reduction Target

To sharpen its strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, American Airlines (AA) has committed to developing a science-based target to reduce greenhouse gases. Its intermediate 2035 emissions target will be reviewed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a collaboration between the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and World-Wide Fund for Nature. The move sees AA become a signatory to the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign and Race To Zero, a global campaign backed by the UN that aims for a zero-carbon economy.

American Airlines | Related American Airlines Invests in the Future of Urban Air Mobility – CSR Wire

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Scoot Improves Website Experience with Insider Partnership

Scoot has partnered with cross-channel marketing platform Insider to create personalized experiences for customers on its website. Using Insider’s AI-powered platform, Scoot is able to quickly communicate relevant travel requirements and flexibility options, as well as to send push notifications to those likely to book a flight. Soon, Scoot said website visitors will receive smart recommendations based on their browsing history, and that exit surveys will be introduced to allow the carrier to constantly improve the customer experience.

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Air Premia Receives Korean AOC

Hybrid service carrier Air Premia has been granted an air operator certificate (AOC) by South Korea’s transport ministry. The startup plans to fly mid- and long-haul routes to Vietnam, Japan and Hong Kong, as well as to Los Angeles and San Jose in the US. Air Premia will initially use a 309-seat Boeing 787 it received on long-term lease from Air Lease Corporation, but has yet to decide on a schedule. The carrier plans to introduce two more of the aircraft type to its fleet by the end of this year.

Korea Herald | Related A New South Korean Airline Is Born: Air Premia Receives First 787-9 Dreamliner – Simple Flying

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A BA Boeing 777 flying over Myrtle Avenue. Captured by @egcc.aviation787.

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> Tweet of the Day

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Association News

Submit Your Nominations 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 30.

> Quote of the Day

"We’re not so much dealing with medical and scientific risks, we’re dealing with political views."

Willie Walsh, IATA
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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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