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August 13, 2021

Canada Works on Vaccine Passports, WA Introduces Hard Borders

Canadian government officials have said they are working to create a digital vaccine passport that will allow citizens to travel abroad and estimates it will become available in the next few months. In Western Australia (WA), visitors to other states from New South Wales will be required to show proof that they have received at least their first COVID-19 jab, as well as a negative test result from the previous 72 hours. The new border rules, which are typically associated with international travel, will also apply to any other state or territory that WA classifies as being "high-risk" or "extreme-risk."

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Honeywell Becomes Value-Added Manufacturer for Iridium

Honeywell is now a value-added manufacturer for Iridium with its Aspire 150 and 350 aviation terminals, which operate on the Iridium NEXT network and demonstrate connectivity at up to 700 Kbps via the Iridium Certus service. Aspire 150 provides low-cost connectivity, while Aspire 350 sees the addition of a global Future Air Navigation System datalink and cockpit satellite voice capabilities. Other components of the system include a satellite data unit (SDU), SDU configuration module and low-gain antenna. Certification for both terminals is planned for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Honeywell Aerospace | Related Lufthansa and Honeywell satellite connectivity approved for Chinese aircraft – Aerospace Testing International

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Spicejet Passengers Can Book Taxis In-Flight Via IFE

Spicejet passengers can now book discounted airport transfers in mid-air using Spicescreen, the airline’s in-flight entertainment (IFE) platform. On arrival, they receive a one-time passcode via SMS, Whatsapp and automated inbound call. They can pay online or at the end of their journey with cash. The service has been introduced on inbound flights to Delhi, but will soon be available at all India’s major airports. Ajay Singh, chairman and managing director at Spicejet, said, “Passengers will no longer have to carry their luggage to the cab departure area ... as cabs will now be available right outside the arrival gate.”

Business Traveller | Related VuLiv’s Smartphone-Based IFE System Powers SpiceJet’s Revamped Offering – APEX Media

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Emirates Launches Subscription Platform for Skywards Members

Following a pilot in 2019, Emirates Skywards has launched an online subscription platform. Available on a yearly basis, its $399 Classic Package offers members 20% bonus Skywards Miles, access to the Emirates Business Class Lounge twice a year and five kilograms of extra baggage allowance. For $699, the Advanced Package offers 20% off upgrade rewards, ten kilograms of extra baggage or an additional piece of checked baggage and five lounge passes. As well as the increased baggage allowance and discount on flight upgrades, for $999, the Premium Package offers members a 20% Tier Miles bonus and ten lounge passes.

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Branson Sells Third Stake in Virgin Galactic

Sir Richard Branson has sold a third stake in Virgin Galactic since taking the company public. The sale was worth $300 million in total, comprising 10.4 million shares at various prices between $25.75 and $34.39. A statement from Virgin said it “intends to use the net proceeds from this sale to support its portfolio of global leisure, holiday and travel businesses that continue to be affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Branson sold a $504.5 million stake and a $150.3 million stake in Virgin Galactic in May 2020 and April 2021 respectively, but Virgin remains the largest single shareholder in the company.

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Delta Launches European Air+Rail Packages

Passengers booking flights through Delta's direct channels who have Brussels or Antwerp as a final destination will have access to the carrier’s new "Air+Rail" package, which provides passengers flying to Amsterdam with onward rail connections in partnership with high-speed rail supplier Thalys. On booking, travelers can use their ticket confirmation to get the boarding pass for the rail segment through the AccesRail website or to pick up their ticket at the train station window upon arrival. A Delta spokesperson said the package will also be available via global distribution systems and most corporate booking tools.

Travel Weekly | Related EasyJet’s deal to sell combo plane-rail tickets signals new approach to fighting carbon emissions – The Points Guy UK

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Siemens, SITA Collaborate on Build KCI Project

Kansas City Airport’s new terminal project, Build KCI, will feature Siemens’ security systems and SITA’s IT networks and airport systems. Siemens is using its Desigo CC platform to integrate airport and facility systems with a converged network that covers access control, video surveillance, airport common use systems, flight information displays and more. SITA will install its SITA Flex cloud-based common-use platform, as well as mission-critical network connectivity to allow the exchange of data regarding baggage, passengers and aircraft across the terminal. The companies will work under a joint management approach.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Siemens Baggage 360: New release provides real-time map to control operations remotely – Siemens Logistics

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A busy day for American Airlines at LAX. Captured by @southbay_dan_aviation.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Working from home when you'd rather be flying? We got you. Zoom your way back onboard a Qantas flight with our series of aviation-themed meeting backgrounds. Video meet from a Business Class seat, in the cockpit jump seat, or on the tarmac. Download here:

Qantas @Qantas

Association News

Take Part in FTE's Baggage Innovation Working Groups!

Following the presentation of phase two of the FTE Business Model Transformation Think Tank at FTE APEX Virtual Expo 2021, which focused strongly on "Redefining the Baggage Experience," Future Travel Experience (FTE) is seeking participants for its FTE Baggage Innovation Working Groups. The groups will expand on ideas from senior executives a Pittsburgh International Airport, Wizz Air, Bangalore International Airport Limited, AirAsia and Virgin Atlantic. Learn more.

> Quote of the Day

“Welcoming fully vaccinated individuals from Europe only strengthens your administration's message: Vaccination provides us all more freedom.”

Dr. Joe Leader, APEX
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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.

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