Apex Daily Experience
 
No Images? Open in Browser

July 23, 2021

Go to APEX.AERO

SIGN UP
FORWARD TO A FRIEND

Today's Top Stories
 

 
 
 

FlightPlan III: Kirby Thinks COVID-19 Could End Airline Commoditization

During the final FlightPlan III: C-Suite Week interview, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said he believes that post-COVID-19, passengers will care more about a carrier’s hard product and its service than about solely price and schedule. He explained that’s why United is investing in embedded in-flight entertainment at every seat, commenting, “People like the food better if there’s entertainment. The food scores go up about 10 points! It just shows you what a halo effect that creates … and it improves the soft product too, because the crew are proud of it.”

APEX Media | Related Watch FlightPlan III: C-Suite Week Interviews On Demand

SHARE

 
 
 

World2Fly to Launch Newrest’s Digital Pre-Order Solution

Spanish carrier World2Fly is the launch customer for Newrest’s white-label digital pre-order solution, Fly'Eat. The system was developed by Newrest’s Digital Lab and is powered by technology from AirFi. Once passengers have booked a flight, they can access the airline’s relevant product catalog and purchase items that are loaded onto the aircraft and delivered by the crew. World2Fly will first introduce the solution for in-flight catering on services from Cancun. Newrest provides World2Fly’s catering in Cancun and at its Madrid and Lisbon hubs.

Newrest | Related Newrest’s inflight catering rises with the resumption of the airline industry – Newrest

SHARE

 
 
 
 

CCA Announces Finalists for Two Special Categories

The Crystal Cabin Award (CCA) has announced the finalists in its two special categories for 2021. Finalists in the Clean & Safe Air Travel category, born out of COVID-19, include Rosen Aviation, with its Holographic Controller operated using infra-red and motion sensors; Safran Cabin’s Beacon Clean Lavatory antimicrobial surfaces concept; Collins Aerospace’s Lilac-UV disinfection lamps above passenger seats; MGR Foamtex’s MGRSafeWall; and Villinger’s CleanAir filter that uses ionizing micro-electrodes to absorb particles smaller than required by the HEPA standard. 

Hamburg Aviation | Related Crystal Cabin Awards Reveals Shortlist for New Categories – Aircraft Interiors Expo

SHARE

 
 
 

Intelsat 2Ku Available as Linefit Option for A320 Family Aircraft

Cathay Pacific’s recently delivered Airbus A321NEO is the first to feature a factory-installed Intelsat 2Ku system. The connectivity solution was installed by Airbus at its factory in Hamburg, Germany as part of the OEM’s High Bandwidth Connectivity Service. “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Intelsat to the A321neo fleet … Having these new short-haul aircraft connected is essential in the modern world for business and leisure travel,” commented Vivian Lo, Cathay Pacific’s general manager, Customer Experience and Design. Cathay Pacific’s A321NEO aircraft will fly on regional routes from its Hong Kong base.

Intelsat | Related Gogo in-flight internet has been renamed Intelsat – Tech Crunch

SHARE

 
 
 
 
 

New Legislation Requires TSA to Improve Airport Security Protocols

Earlier this week, US Congress passed new legislation requiring the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to improve COVID-19-related airport security screening protocols. The TSA has 90 days to issue a plan created together with the CDC and Department of Health and Human Services to reduce the spread of the virus at passenger screening checkpoints and among agency personnel. The plan will be analyzed once a year by the Government Accountability Office. If the legislation becomes law, the TSA will be required to implement best practices developed by foreign governments, federal agencies, airports and airlines.

The Hill | Related Manage virus transmission risk like the TSA manages passenger risk – The Hill

SHARE

 
 
 

Fujitsu UK Unveils Space Debris Removal Spacecraft Prototype

Fujitsu UK, Amazon Web Services, Astroscale UK and the University of Glasgow have created a spacecraft prototype that can select and remove pieces of space debris. It uses Digital Annealer quantum computing technology to determine the minimum fuel and time required to bring inoperable spacecraft or satellites back to the disposal orbit, increasing commercial viability. Ellen Devereux, Digital Annealer Consultant at Fujitsu UK & Ireland, explained, “We’ve learned ... this technology has huge implications for optimization in space; not only cleaning up debris, but also in-orbit servicing and more.”

Inflight Online | Related Earth satellites may soon need their own traffic control system to stop collisions – Science Focus

SHARE

 
 
 
 
 

Joint Venture SSP Malaysia to Operate Six New Airport Lounges

SSP Group and Travel Food Services (TFS) have signed a contract with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad to operate six lounge locations across the country. The contract covers the International Airside Loyalty Lounge and two First and Business Class lounges at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA); two International Airside Loyalty Lounges at KLIA2; and the Domestic Airside Loyalty Lounge at Kuching International Airport. They will be operated by SSP Malaysia, a joint venture between SSP Group and TFS, which will enhance the lounges with a range of local and international food and beverage offerings.

Moodie Davitt Report | Related SSP debuts in West Indies with win in Martinique – SSP

SHARE

 
 
 

> PHOTO OF THE DAY

 
 

Climbing over the ocean on departure from Vancouver. Captured by @dmairplane.

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

> Tweet of the Day

The observation deck B will reopen tomorrow 🎉. And that's not all: our bus tours will also take place again 🚍! With our bus tour you can get a taste of airport atmosphere without traveling ✈️

Zurich Airport @zrh_airport

 
 
 

Association News

Register for APEX EXPO!

Did you know that at this year's APEX EXPO, attendees will receive complimentary rapid testing, and will also have the option to receive a complimentary vaccination provided by the Long Beach ‎Health Department at the Long Beach Convention Center? Find out more and register now.

 
 
 
 

> Quote of the Day

“We have 15-20% more occupants in our premium cabin than pre-pandemic.”

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways
Read the article

 
 

Until next week

 
 

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

 
 
Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) | 355 Lexington Avenue, 15th Floor | New York | NY | 10017

©Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) 2024. All rights reserved.