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August 14, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Turkish Airlines Postpones Mega 600 Aircraft Order

Turkish Airlines has delayed its decision on a record 600-aircraft order, including 400 narrowbody and 200 widebody planes from Airbus and Boeing. The decision has been postponed due to engine production and quality issues on some of the latest models. Turkish Airlines’ Chairman Ahmet Bolat had previously discussed the deal, but the carrier is still evaluating which aircraft and engine types to choose, along with related maintenance contracts. Despite the delay, Turkish Airlines continues to expand rapidly and profitably.

Airline Weekly | Related Turkish Airlines set for fleet decision ‘soon’ after engine complications - Flight Global

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Wisk Aero and Archer Aviation Settle Legal Dispute

Competitors Wisk Aero and Archer Aviation have settled a trade-secrets lawsuit and agreed to collaborate. Boeing, which owns Wisk, invested an undisclosed sum in Archer, and Archer will exclusively use Wisk’s self-flying technology in future aircraft. Both companies are developing small electric aircraft for short distances, with Wisk focusing on autonomous flight. The collaboration will end a bitter legal dispute between the two companies, and marks a significant step towards the development of commercial electric aircraft.

The New York Times | Related Wisk Aero, Boeing and Archer settle litigation battle - Airport Technology

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Mexico Launches Military-Run Airline

The Mexican government is set to launch a military-run airline using the brand of the defunct Mexicana de Aviacion, following a $48 million purchase. The initiative, supported by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, aims to offer low-cost travel options within the domestic market. The deal includes three buildings and a flight simulator, and the airline will start with 10 rented Boeing 737-800s. The airline plans to operate from Felipe Angeles International Airport, selling tickets to 20 destinations beginning next month.

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Lufthansa Technik Talks IFC Industry Disruption

Lufthansa Technik (LHT) is deeply involved in inflight connectivity (IFC), working with different technologies and aircraft. During a recent interview, LHT’s Lukas Bucher discussed the evolution of IFC, potential direct entry into the market, and challenges such as industry consolidation, bandwidth growth, and market exits. LHT’s joint venture with LG Electronics, AERQ, may offer a unique approach to IFC. Bucher also addressed the MRO workload crunch, potential retrofitting, cost concerns, and the complex landscape of ATG networks, highlighting various factors impacting the IFC landscape.

Runway Girl Network | Related Panasonic admits to LEO bias as it pursues multi-orbit IFC - Runway Girl Network

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Southwest Airlines Announces Free Same-Day Standby For All Tickets

Southwest Airlines is enhancing perks in some fare classes and increasing flexibility for its cheapest “Wanna Get Away” fares. Soon, customers in this bracket will have free same-day standby access, allowing them to switch to departures with open seats. Additionally, Southwest is expanding its free internet offering to Business Select fares, allowing connectivity for up to three devices. Other passengers will still pay $8 per flight for internet. The airline also plans to enable standby listing online or via its app. These changes are expected by month’s end.

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IATA Stated Travel Demand “Could Be Even Stronger”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed a strong northern summer start with a 31% growth in total traffic in June 2023 compared to June 2022, reaching 94.2% of pre-Covid levels. Despite the increase, the industry is still below pre-pandemic peaks. Total traffic grew 47% in the first half of 2023. European and North American regions showed the greatest global share, with some limitations on continued growth noted, including issues in the aviation supply chain and with air navigation service providers.

Airport Technology | Related India’s Domestic Airline Demand Is Above 2019 Levels - Simple Flying

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LaGuardia Achieves Highest Accessibility Rating From Rick Hansen Foundation

LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B in New York has become the first airline terminal in the USA to receive gold in the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) program. The rating is the highest in the accessibility awareness program, recognizing the terminal’s features that accommodate guests with hearing, vision, and mobility disabilities. Facilities include hearing loops, color-coded wayfinding, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard to assist guests with less visible disabilities. Over 1,800 sites have been rated by the RHFAC program, with over 1,300 certified.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Universal accessibility at Aena: a personalised experience - International Airport Review

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @aeroconcepts, showing an Air India Boeing 777 painted in the airline’s new livery.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Good evening and welcome on board @AirCanada Express flight AC8640, operated by Jazz. @yulaeroport to @LGAairport . This 17 year old @embraer E175 is a far cry from the excellent A220 I was on yesterday. But for a regional jet? This’ll do just fine. Quite comfy! #PaxEx

Jason Rabinowitz @AirlineFlyer

Association News

APEX/IFSA Global EXPO - Register now!

APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, co-located with FTE Global, is where the largest gathering of airline executives from around the world come together to network, forge new partnerships, share unique insights, collaborate and meet with the top exhibitors demonstrating the latest innovation and technology. Join us in Los Angeles for the most comprehensive end-to-end airline passenger experience marketplace in the industry from 19-21 September. Register now - Click here for more details.

> Quote of the Day

“While we are trying to decide on which aircraft type to place, we are also very close to investigating which engine types to get and which kind of a maintenance contract to get in addition to it. That’s the reason why we have not announced any decision yet.”

Turkish Airlines’ Chief Financial Officer Murat Seker
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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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