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August 17, 2021

PAC Partners with GigSky on In-Flight Mobile Connectivity

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (PAC) and its subsidiary AeroMobile have entered a strategic partnership with Silicon Valley-based mobility provider GigSky that will enable any eSIM-equipped mobile phone user to enjoy PAC’s in-flight mobile connectivity service, regardless of network operator, on select airlines and flights. To access the service, passengers need to download the GigSky app prior to departure and purchase a daily connectivity pass. Ravi Rishy-Maharaj, GigSky’s founder and CEO, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Panasonic Avionics to bring a first of its kind service to airlines and passengers.”

Panasonic Avionics | Related Panasonic makes SIA launch customer for Marketplace digital e-commerce platform – Asian Aviation

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Gulf Air, EVA Air Move Forward with IATA Travel Pass

Gulf Air has extended its IATA Travel Pass trial to include flights from Bahrain to Dubai, Frankfurt and Paris. It is also enabling passengers with non-biometric passports to take part using either iOS or Android devices. Gulf Air initially tested the IATA Travel Pass on flights from Bahrain to Athens, London and Singapore. EVA Air has also signed up to test the solution on its Paris–Taipei route from September. The carrier has piloted electronic health passport verification together with Affinidi and AOKpass since March, and in future hopes to join the Health Data Exchange Platform built by Star Alliance.

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Flair Airlines Reveals New Cabin Crew Uniforms

Yesterday, Canadian tennis player Genie Bouchard took part in the reveal of Flair Airlines’ new cabin crew uniforms during a Boeing 737 MAX flight between Toronto and Montreal. The gender-fluid uniform, which includes white sneakers, casual dress pants, a black t-shirt, a dress and blazer, was designed by Flair’s flight attendants. “Our crew can choose whichever pieces they feel most comfortable putting on their body,” said Cody Klassen, a leader on the project. Flight attendant Shannon Towler added, “Our new uniforms reflect the brand: plain and simple, but a little bit edgy ... Not stuffy, no nylons, just super fresh.”

Globe Newswire | Related Canada’s Flair Airlines Operates Inaugural Boeing 737 MAX Flight – Simple Flying

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Pobeda Cancels Order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8s

Russian low-cost carrier Pobeda, which is a subsidiary of Aeroflot, has cancelled its order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft “without any penalty,” according to Pobeda’s CEO Andrei Kalmykov. The decision was made because Russia has not yet recertified Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. In 2018, the carrier was negotiating an order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, but revised this number down to 20 in early 2019 in line with its plan to acquire more Russian-made commercial airliners instead. Pobeda’s current fleet consists entirely of Boeing 737-800s.

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Cathay, OpenRice Partner on Dining and Digital Payments

A partnership between OpenRice and Cathay, Cathay Pacific’s lifestyle brand, means that Hong Kong-based Asia Miles and Marco Polo Club members can use the Cathay app to search and book tables in partner restaurants as well as to pay for their meals using miles, cash, or miles and cash combined. Members will earn one mile for every HK$4 paid with cash when dining at Cathay partner restaurants, and those who use the app to pay with cash on their Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard Credit Card can earn three miles for every HK$4 spent on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Cathay Pacific | Related 'Cathay' moves beyond 'Pacific' with travel lifestyle brand – Campaign Asia

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Hanwha Invests £300m in Oneweb

Oneweb has received a $300 million equity investment from South Korean technology and manufacturing company Hanwha. The investment, which is expected to be completed during the first half of 2022, brings Oneweb’s total equity investment since November 2020 to $2.7 billion. The company will provide Oneweb with further defence capabilities and relationships with new government customers. Youn Chul Kim, president, CEO and director at Hanwha Systems, said, “To Oneweb’s vision of connecting all the people across the globe, Hanwha Systems' satellite and antenna technology will bring more advantages.”

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Elegant Clutter to Curate Art for Heathrow T3 Centurion Lounge

American Express has commissioned Elegant Clutter to curate a collection of pieces for its Centurion lounge at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3. Elegant Clutter said, “Our Art Story consultants researched and briefed suitable art partners to collaborate with to create the perfect ambience for the space,” which will include works by “celebrity photographer Norman Parkinson, mixed media art from Stephen Marshall and architectural pencil drawings from Minty Sainsbury.” The company also created its own artwork for the lounge that celebrates London, including “a hand-embroidered interpretation of the London Underground.”

Business Traveller | Related American Express To Open Washington Reagan Centurion Lounge, Expand Lounges In Two Airports – Forbes

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

The Queen (in front of) the skies. Captured by @aeromanu.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Emirates is marking the UAE’s 50th anniversary with the unveiling of special liveries to commemorate the nation’s Golden Jubilee. #FlyEmiratesFlyBetter #UAE50 @UAEYearOf

Emirates Airline @emirates

Association News

Rebuild Trust in Air Travel With the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying Audit

Avianca recently became the latest carrier to achieve a Diamond-level certification following its participation in the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying audit, a new standard for health safety measures that is helping to rebuild trust in air travel. APEX/IFSA CEO, Dr. Joe Leader, commented, “Passengers flying with Avianca can do so knowing that the airline passed our exhaustive COVID-19 safety review covering every stage of the customer’s flight journey.” Find out more about how your airline can begin its free audit today.

> Quote of the Day

“The most wonderful problem we’re having right now is we have more CEOs than timeslots.”

Dr. Joe Leader, APEX
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Until 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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