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August 19, 2021

Breeze Airways Secures $200m in Series B Funding

Breeze Airways, which began flying in May 2021, has secured $200 million in Series B funding. The funding comes despite Breeze having to scrap five routes from Norfolk, Virginia and pare back its schedule across a host of other cities. Of these adjustments, Breeze’s founder and CEO, David Neeleman, said, “We bit off a little bit more than we could chew … It caused a bit of discomfort, but we compensated our passengers really well.” Although the start-up carrier has seen a 10% decrease in bookings due to the Delta variant of COVID-19, Neeleman is upbeat about Breeze’s “decent bookings” in the fall.

The Points Guy | Related Breeze Airways Schedule Change: What’s Going On? – One Mile at a Time

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Saudi Arabia to Accept IATA Travel Pass from September 30

From September 30, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will accept the IATA Travel Pass as a means of confirming pre-departure COVID-19 test results for departing and arriving passengers alongside Tawakkalna, the country’s national health app, which is owned by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. Eventually, GACA will also accept vaccine certification via the IATA Travel Pass. “The trust that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed in IATA Travel Pass is an example for other governments to follow,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

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IdeaNova Technologies Launches WeWatch Inplay Functionality

IdeaNova Technologies has introduced a new feature to its Inplay in-flight entertainment portal that allows passengers to enjoy a movie or TV show together during their flight, even if they’re not seated next to each other. Known as WeWatch, the function allows passengers to “communicate via text chat, video chat or hold a web conference meeting with multiple people, all while the film is playing,” said the company’s account manager, Mack Sinnott. “The movie syncs with the passengers when the other parties accept the invite to watch the movie.” WeWatch is also available to non-Inplay customers.

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Allegiant’s Introduces Allways Rewards Loyalty Program

Allegiant’s Allways Rewards program allows customers to earn points on anything purchased on the airline’s website, which will soon include concert tickets and events at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The points can then be used on any transaction, in any amount. Scott DeAngelo, Allegiant’s chief marketing officer, said, “The notion that you’re earning currency and can use it in any amount, at any time, for anything that is being sold really does seem to be where most programs are going.” The carrier is injecting approximately $5 million in initial credit as a reward for existing frequent flyers.

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Boeing ecoDemonstrator to Test Inmarsat's Air Traffic Modernization Solution

Inmarsat’s Iris air traffic modernization solution, which was developed together with the European Space Agency and is powered by Inmarsat’s L-band ELERA satellite network, is being trialled outside Europe as part of Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program in partnership with Alaska Airlines. It enables real-time collaboration between pilots, air traffic controllers and an airline’s operation center using datalink communications, making it possible to calculate the shortest available routes and cruise at optimum altitudes, all while receiving digital information such as weather updates. Iris is expected to be rolled out in Europe by 2023.

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Porter Airlines, SIA Group Mandate COVID-19 Vaccines

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Scoot now require their Singapore-based frontline staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 1 and December 1, respectively. Jetstar Asia, which is also part of the Singapore Airlines Group, will require all employees to to be vaccinated by October 1, becoming the first Singaporean airline to do so. Meanwhile, Porter Airlines has become the first Canadian carrier to require workers to “be fully vaccinated or to present a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of the start of their shift.”

The Straits Times | Related Porter Airlines, other companies to require COVID-19 vaccine or negative test for all staff – CBC

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Ryanair to Turn Away Passengers with Kiwi.com Boarding Passes

Ryanair has announced that it won’t permit passengers using boarding passes issued by Kiwi.com to fly. Dara Brady, Ryanair’s director of marketing, said EU regulations mean Ryanair must inform passengers directly of all safety and security policies on its flights. The airline added that customers who want an official boarding pass can get one by accessing their booking on the airline’s website or its app. A spokesperson from Kiwi.com said Ryanair, which introduced a verified seal on boarding passes earlier this year, is stifling competition and consumer choice.

Irish Times | Related Which? poll sparks Ryanair row over definition of package holiday – Travel Weekly

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Departing Barcelona at sunset. Captured by @olivhoarau.

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

> Tweet of the Day

💪In order to carry 34 @OneWeb satellites our #Soyuz is equipped with advanced dispenser system produced in Europe! @RuagSpace #OneWebLaunch #ST34

Arianespace @Arianespace

Association News

Register for APEX EXPO Now!

This year’s APEX EXPO will be the first in-person industry event of 2021. It is set to attract 3,000 aviation professionals including airline CEOs, executives, suppliers and decision-makers to connect, collaborate and innovate over three full days at the Long Beach Convention Center in California. Find out more about what to expect and register now.

> Quote of the Day

“The complexity will depend on each use case, but we’d be happy to collaborate with any interested party to provide them with the integration path.”

Mark Sinnott, IdeaNova Technologies
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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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