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July 21, 2021

FlightPlan III: Al Baker Says Governments Shouldn’t Distance Themselves from Aviation

During his interview with the BBC’s Aaron Heslehurst as part of FlightPlan III: C-Suite Week, Qatar Airways’ Group CEO Akbar Al Baker said, “Governments are not realizing that they cannot let this industry go under. We are so used to it being part of our lives, allowing us to travel, to trade, to develop tourism and deliver people.” However, he remained positive about the outlook for his own carrier, telling Heslehurst that Qatar Airways is filling 15-20% more seats in its premium cabins than pre-pandemic despite higher prices. “People want to travel and people are ready to pay,” he commented.

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Azimuth, Rossiya Airlines Announce New Aircraft Orders

Azimuth Airlines is set to become the first Airbus A220 operator in Russia, having just announced an order for six A220-300s, which will be leased from Aircraft Leasing Corporation. The carrier will operate the jets on domestic flights to Siberia and short-haul international routes from three of its bases: Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, and Mineralnye Vody. The first delivery is scheduled for approximately one year from now. Elsewhere, Rossiya Airlines has signed an agreement to purchase 15 103-seat Sukhoi Superjet 100s, with deliveries set to be completed by the end of the year.

Simple Flying | Related Rossiya Airlines signs firm contract for delivery of 15 SSJ 100 aircraft in 2021 – TASS

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Uep! Fly Launches Island-Hopping Flights in Spain

Madrid-based Swiftair has launched a new airline, Uep! Fly, which translates as “hello” in Mallorquin. The carrier completed its first flight between its base in Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca on July 16. Uep! Fly will offer three daily services on this route, as well as twice-daily flights between Mallorca and Menorca using its fleet of two 68-seat all-economy-class ATR 72-500 aircraft wet-leased from Swiftair. An additional aircraft of the same type is due to join its fleet soon, and the airline hopes to expand its services to routes between the Balearic Islands and mainland Spain, as well as to other EU countries.

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Helvetic Launches Summer In-Flight Menu

Helvetic Airways has revamped its complimentary in-flight menu to “combine quality, freshness and Swissness.” Passengers on the carrier’s morning flights from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg to Larnaca and Santorini will be served a typical Swiss breakfast with an omelette, while those flying into the EuroAirport will receive sliced veal with rösti, a Swiss dish known as Kalbsgeschnetzeltes. On services to and from Jerez de la Frontera, Helvetic will offer passengers a Spanish-inspired sandwich. Finally, those traveling to and from Bern Belp Airport will be offered a Greek salad with moussaka.

Inflight Online | Related Helvetic Airways receives its first Embraer E195-E2 – Travel Daily News

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PDI Chooses Gilat Platform to Provide Broadband Coverage in Alaska

Gilat Satellite Networks has signed a strategic agreement with Pacific Dataport Inc. (PDI) worth over $5 million to deliver ubiquitous broadband coverage in Alaska. Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c platform will support the goal of PDI’s Aurora Ka-band network to deliver a wide range of fixed and mobility applications, including commercial aviation, to Alaska’s population. The SkyEdge II-c ground segment is designed to support a wide range of vertical segments, with terminals optimized for the best efficiency and performance per required application.

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Recent IATA Survey Shows Passengers are Confident About Safety of Air Travel

IATA’s latest passenger survey, which was conducted in May and looked at 4,700 responses across 11 countries, showed that of those who have traveled since June 2020, 86% felt safe on-board. However, respondents also shared they were struggling with COVID-19-related policies and procedures, with a resounding 89% agreeing governments must standardize vaccinations/testing certifications. “These responses should be a wake-up call to governments that they need to do a better job of preparing for a restart,” stated IATA’s director general, Willie Walsh.

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Satair Becomes Exclusive Distributor of AES Cabin Interior Parts

Satair has signed a multi-year distribution agreement with German supplier Aircraft Elektro / Elektronik System (AES) for aircraft cabin products. The agreement sees the Airbus subsidiary, which specializes in aircraft parts management, services and support, become the exclusive worldwide distributor for 23 part numbers related to direct light supply in galleys and lavatories, mood lighting in bar units and the Switch Mode Power Supplies used to power applications in the cabin. “We look forward to continuing bringing benefits to our customers through our portfolio of cabin offerings,” said Morten Olsen, Satair’s VP Product Management.

Asian Aviation | Related SATAIR AND AIRDAL SIGN EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT FOR LONG-LASTING COATING SOLUTION PROTECTED BY AN ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT – Meltwater

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

An easyJet A319 prepares to land on Runway 23R at Manchester Airport. Captured by @supersi_aviation.

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

> Tweet of the Day

3/4 of top-tier @united Premier MileagePlus members have already flown UA or have bookings made $UAL #airline #travel #loyalty

Henry Harteveldt @hharteveldt

Association News

ICYMI: Registration for APEX EXPO is Now Open

This year’s APEX EXPO will be the first in-person industry event of 2021. It is set to attract 3,000 aviation professionals including airline CEOs, executives, suppliers and decision-makers to connect, collaborate and innovate over three full days at the Long Beach Convention Center in California. Find out more about what to expect and register now.

> Quote of the Day

"We have much better customer data than Uber, where you can make up your name."

Tony Fernandes, AirAsia
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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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