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July 27 2022

Lufthansa Cancels Almost All Flights In Germany Due To Strike

Germany's flagship carrier Lufthansa announced that it is canceling almost all flights from its hubs of Frankfurt and Munich due to a scheduled ground staff strike on Wednesday. The carrier also said flights would be canceled on Tuesday as well as later in the week, as the ripple effects of the one-day strike are felt. In total, over 1,000 flights are being scrapped with an estimated 134,000 passengers affected. The airline also expects this to impact Berlin, Bremen, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover and Stuttgart airports.

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Qatar Airways’ New B787-9 Business Class Premium Suite

The redesigned QSuite on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is now called the Premium Suite. Unlike the original QSuites, which face forwards and backwards alternatingly, the Premium Suites are arranged in a herringbone pattern. There are 30 Suites on a B787-9. Each has direct aisle access with a sliding door to ensure extra privacy. The business class suite transforms into a 79” fully-flat bed. It’s equipped with a 13-inch Panasonic IFE touchscreen, an electronic device holder, an LED reading light, a USB port and a multi-country socket.

Turning Left For Less | Related British Airways Club Suite delivers big upgrade over former seat - Runway Girl Network

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Hong Kong Trials Digital Arrivals Card, Plans Pre-clearance Chinese Customs

Hong Kong will begin trials for an electronic health declaration form to replace the paper-based arrivals slip. It would record not only standard arrival, health and vaccination details but also a reference number for a quarantine hotel stay. The new system will begin July 28 on a trial basis. Passengers will need to complete the form before boarding their flight, as it will generate a QR code needed to be allowed onto flights. Hong Kong is also considering introducing pre-clearance Chinese customs and immigration facilities. The measure would permit travelers from Hong Kong to arrive in China as domestic passengers.

Executive Traveller | Related Hong Kong plans to cut quarantine under new colour-coded health system - Executive Traveller

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Airbus To Deliver Connectivity Services Using Zephyr

Airbus is planning a connectivity services business through the creation of a dedicated High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) Services Business based around Zephyr, Airbus’ leading HAPS technology platform. Zephyr has an exceptionally long loiter time at altitudes roughly double those of commercial air routes, making it well suited for inflight connectivity. This will help it provide low-latency connectivity services from the stratosphere for telecommunications and Earth observation applications, and connecting the unconnected on land, air and sea. The new business is a subsidiary of Airbus Defense and Space.

Runway Girl Network | Related Up, up and away: Airbus’ Zephyr drone breaks flight record high above Arizona - DefenseNews

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Heathrow’s Limit On Flights Could Remain Until Mid-2023

London Heathrow airport says its controversial cap on flights to ease the chaos of recent months might have to stay in place for at least another year. Heathrow introduced a limit of 100,000 daily departing passengers on July 12. The cap was supposed to end after two months in mid-September, but Heathrow extended it last week until the end of October. The airport operator said airlines need to shape up and hire ground staff more aggressively to replenish their depleted ground-handling resources, adding that Heathrow itself had done its fair share of hiring in the past six months.

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Stansted Completes £12m International Departure Lounge Upgrade

Since allocating the funds in March 2022, London Stansted Airport in the UK has now completed its £12m (US$14.4m) international departure lounge upgrade. The upgrade includes additional seating and a variety of new dining and retail options, including Comptoir Libanais, Terracotta Italian Kitchen, The Perch, Sunnyside Café, Bottega Bar and Caffè and Caffè Nero. Additionally, new Lego, Tommy Hilfiger, Superdry, Discover Gourmet and WHSmith stores have opened, while a second World Duty-Free shop has doubled in size.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related

The soothing new wellness space inside Auckland Airport's revamped Strata Lounge - Stuff

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About 80% Of Brazil's Pre-COVID Traffic Has Returned

Brazil is quickly returning to its pre-pandemic traffic levels. In the first six months of 2022, the country had 44.7 million passengers, a 77.5% recovery compared to the traffic figures in 2019 when it had 57.6 million travelers. The domestic segment has rebounded faster, while the international market remains heavily impacted by restrictions and more. Brazil has had 38.07 million domestic travelers this year, led by Azul, with a 33.55% market share. In 2019, the country had 45.4 million passengers, meaning it has recovered to 83.7% of its pre-pandemic traffic levels.

Simple Flying | Related Highest Customer Satisfaction Rate in Brazil: Azul Stays On Top - Simple Flying

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @gal_plane_spotting, showing an easyJet a320-200 taking off from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

My favourite lounge @Airport_FRA does not only have the best views. Even better: during summer they serve ice cream! #paxex #panorama #lounge #Frankfurt #QOTS

Today’s Flight @TodaysFlight

Association News

Registration is NOW OPEN for APEX/IFSA EXPO!

Registration is now open the most comprehensive end-to-end airline passenger experience marketplace in the industry – APEX/IFSA EXPO! On October 25-27 in Long Beach California, join more than 1,500 industry professionals, including airline CEOs, executives, suppliers, and decision-makers from dozens of airlines around the world, in showcasing the latest technologies, products, and content and share unique insights via our thought leadership programming. Click here to register.

> Quote of the Day

"The early escalation of a previously constructive collective bargaining round is causing enormous damage. It affects our passengers in particular, who are impacted during the peak travel season. And it is putting an additional heavy strain on our employees in an already difficult phase for air traffic.”

Michael Niggemann, Chief of Human Resources, Lufthansa
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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.

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