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July 29 2022

SITA Unveils eVisa And ETA To Transform Borders

SITA has announced the launch of SITA eVisa and SITA Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to meet the rapidly growing demand from governments for digital visa systems to stimulate national economies after COVID-19, strengthen security and improve travel experience. Their mobile capability allows travelers to make applications and provide their biometric information using their personal devices before they travel. The eVisa and ETA use ICAO’s Visible Digital Seal, an encrypted bar code that enables visas and ETAs, paper or electronic, to be digitally verified.

Times Aerospace | Related SITA research shows increased passenger demand for mobile and touchless tech - Future Travel Experience

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JetBlue Expected To Bring Its PaxEx To Spirit

JetBlue has confirmed its merger agreement with Spirit covering a $3.8 billion buy-out. The airline will face significant aircraft retrofit work to bring the Spirit fleet up to its own specs. Both carriers operate Airbus A320 family aircraft, while JetBlue also flies the Airbus A220 and Embraer 190. Spirit offers some of the tightest seat pitches of around 28”, while JetBlue offers some of the most generous at an average of 32”. Spirit offers no entertainment, no in-seat power, no free snacks, and has only just started offering paid Wi-Fi. JetBlue offers all of that free on nearly every flight.

Runway Girl Network | Related Spirit shareholders reject Frontier merger deal, paving way for JetBlue acquisition - The Points Guy

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UK's IAG Orders 37 Airbus A320neo Family Aircraft

British Airways owner IAG said on Thursday it had placed an order for 37 Airbus A320neo family jets, including 12 through the conversion of prior options into firm orders for A320neos and A321neos. IAG will order 25 aircraft from the A320neo family, with an option to buy another 50 aircraft. The exact mix of A320neos and A321neos has not been decided, the company said. The orders will be delivered between 2025 and 2028 to replace the A320ceo family aircraft in its short-haul fleet.

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Alaska Airlines Boosts Vegan Menu Offering

Alaska Airlines is expanding its current inflight catering options this summer by offering a brand-new vegan offering across all cabins and adding additional items in its gluten-free and plant-based range. The latest addition is a vegan salad developed in partnership with west-coast gourmet salad experts Evergreens. “Soy Meets World” contains a mix of Roasted broccoli, fresh cucumber slices, scallions, pickled carrots, fried tofu, and brown rice, served over a bed of romaine and baby lettuce, topped with roasted cashews, fried onions, and a Tamari Chili-Lime dressing.

Simple Flying | Related Dunkin’ Donuts take flight with Transavia - Onboard Hospitality

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TAP Enters Partnership To Boost SAF Production In Portugal

TAP Air Portugal has partnered with airport authority ANA Aeroportos de Portugal and sustainable fuel provider Galp to develop, produce and supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel 'on a large scale' across the country, using waste, recycled used oils and other sustainable raw materials. The partnership will help align Portugal with the European Union’s 'RefuelEU Aviation' initiative aimed at increasing SAF usage by five per cent in 2030 and 63 per cent by 2050. The partnership is in line with the European Commission’s ‘Fit for 55’ climate package.

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Dubai Opens Biggest Sleep Pod Lounge At Emirates' Terminal 3

Dubai International Airport has opened its biggest sleep pod lounge, located at Emirates’ Terminal 3. Open to passengers booked into any cabin class, sleep 'n fly's 575-square-metre lounge can sleep 46 travelers and offers lounge access for many more. Travelers can book one of several options at the two-story facility including bunk bed cabins, Flexisuite pods with lie-flat plane-style beds, lounge access or business pods that come with folding desks, multiple charging options and are convertible into meeting spaces. The Flexisuite pods start from $110 for stays of up to six hours.

The National | Related Charlotte Douglas International expands terminal lobby - Passenger Terminal Today

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Gilat, Intelsat Expand Strategic IFC Partnership In Japan

Gilat Satellite Networks announced today that it is further expanding its strategic in-flight connectivity (IFC) partnership in Japan with Intelsat. Intelsat is augmenting its commercial and business aviation services in Japan to support even higher levels of IFC reliability for air travelers by expanding the network with two additional SkyEdge II-c hubs. Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c is a proven operational system that allows aviation service providers to streamline service fulfillment and provide a superior user experience to passengers.

Runway Girl Network | Related Spirit Airlines Rolls Out New FlytLIVE In-Flight Connectivity Service - Aviation Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's picture comes from @jets_of_vienna, showing a Condor Airlines Airbus A320 at Vienna Airport.

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

> Tweet of the Day

I call this one “Golden Over the Grand Canyon”… Sunset above the clouds over the eastern section of the Grand Canyon aboard a @united B737-900 for this week’s #wingFriday #avgeek window seat #PaxEx view. The Grand Canyon is down there but obscured by the clouds.

WTC @FormerlyWTC

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

“Adopting eVisa and ETA supports national prosperity...The adaptability of these two solutions means that they are fully interoperable with existing border control and airline systems. And, they comply with international standards and best practices.”

Jeremy Springall, Head of SITA AT BORDERS
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The next newsletter will be out on Monday.

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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