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August 21, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Over 6,000 flights cancelled or delayed because of Hurricane Hilary

Hurricane Hilary has led to over 6,000 flight cancellations or delays across the US, including 300 flights cancelled at Las Vegas' main airport. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas faced the most cancellations, followed by San Diego International Airport. Meanwhile out of US airlines, Southwest Airlines had to cancel 714 flights on Sunday alone. The storm, initially a hurricane, hit the southwestern US yesterday before being downgraded to a tropical storm. Monday saw fewer delays and disruptions, with FlightAware having tracked 273 delays and 274 cancellations across the US during the morning. The storm's severity prompted major airlines to waive flight change fees.

Insider | Related

Hurricane Hilary takes aim at California, airlines issue weather waivers and theme parks close - The Points Guy

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Premium Leisure Airline BeOnd Receives Maldivian Authority Support

Startup airline BeOnd, based in the Maldives, has achieved a significant milestone on its path to launching operations in Fall 2023. The airline, which focuses solely on premium travel in the leisure sector, received Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO) approval from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA). This approval is a crucial step towards obtaining an Air Operators Certificate required for commercial flights. BeOnd's business model offers lie-flat business class seats for flights to the Maldives. It also aims to provide Michelin-star menus, private transfers, and home check-in, with a strong sustainability focus.

Simple Flying | Related

Will wealthy Hongkongers fly Maldives’ new all-business class airline? Beond sets sights on travellers with cash to splash - South China Morning Post

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Flight attendants ask for mandated self defense classes in response to 'air rage'

US flight attendants are advocating for legally mandated self-defense training due to a surge in air rage incidents during and post the Covid era. A provision in a Senate aviation policy bill proposes training flight attendants to "subdue and restrain" attackers and protect themselves against weapons. The Association of Flight Attendants is supporting the training mandate. This follows an increase in confrontations with unruly passengers, which in extreme cases has forced crews to face violence on flights. Though existing law requires training, flight attendants groups are arguing for more precise and practical steps against potential threats. The Senate's bill aims to address these concerns.

Politico | Related

Rampant air rage may be even worse this summer as packed planes and alcohol create a ‘recipe for violence’ - Fortune

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Fine airlines if they fail in legal duty to customers, urges UK consumer group

UK consumer rights group Which? and leading online travel agents are urging for fines to be imposed on airlines that fail to assist customers during flight delays or cancellations. In a letter to the UK's prime minister, Rishi Sunak, they call for the aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), to have more powers to take action in cases of flight disruptions. The group says that while airlines may not always be directly responsible, they have legal responsibilities to customers, including rerouting passengers or refunding when flights are canceled. The move comes after a summer of travel disruptions at UK airports.

Guardian | Related

Holiday firms urge PM to allow watchdog to fine airlines - BBC News

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Bangkok Airways Launches Upcycled Uniforms Amid Net Zero Goals

Bangkok Airways is upcycling old staff uniforms to create new products as part of its sustainable aviation efforts. The initiative is part of the airline's "Fly Net Zero 2050" campaign, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The airline has implemented projects such as a "Drop Box" for recyclable materials and "Waste Segregation for Wonderful Benefits" bins to support waste management. Over 150 kilograms of used uniforms were processed to create roughly 300 products, including aprons for airport lounge staff, tote bags, and water cup bags. The upcycling process saved 307.44 kilograms of CO2 and 1,826 kW of electricity.

Simple Flying | Related Tourism recovery keeps Thai carriers in the black - Travel and Tour World

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American Airlines sues skiplagging site, claiming it tricks passengers

American Airlines has sued Skiplagged, an airline-booking website, alleging that it deceives passengers by promoting hidden-city ticketing, a practice where travelers book a flight with a layover but get off at the layover city. American claims Skiplagged charges passengers more than if they booked directly with the airline, violating terms of use. The lawsuit alleges Skiplagged prvovides guidance in evading detection and manipulating airlines. Airlines have previously targeted Skiplagged in lawsuits, showing the industry's crackdown on such practices. Southwest and Skiplagged settled a similar case in 2021.

Washington Post | Related

American Airlines sues travel website Skiplagged over ticket price ‘loophole’ - The Guardian

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TSA PreCheck® enrolment with United Airlines launches at Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport's Concourse B now hosts a TSA PreCheck® enrollment initiative in collaboration with United Airlines. This program offers swift TSA PreCheck® enrollment to all United passengers arriving, departing, or connecting in Denver. Enrolling, a five-minute process, grants a known traveler number (KTN) within three to five days. IDEMIA provides this service for $78, covering five years. United MileagePlus® members can use 11,000 miles to offset the fee, and specific cardholders can receive a statement credit. Enrollment runs to October 6, 2023, with ambassadors stationed in Concourse B, Gate B18 to B20. TSA PreCheck® provides expedited screening, benefiting travelers with minimal hassle.

International Airport Review | Related

Denver's airport infrastructure "not built to withstand" record traffic, officials say - Axios

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's Instagram post features an Azul ATR-72 in Campina Grande, Brazil. Courtesy of @spottersbkg Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

✈️ Happy National Aviation Day 🎉 What better way to celebrate than to register for THE aviation industry's event of the YEAR?! We are exactly one month away from APEX/ @IFSAOnBoard #GlobalEXPO in Los Angeles. Register now: http://bit.ly/3JWYqf5 #PaxEx #Aviation

APEX @theAPEXassoc

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. Click here for more details.

> Quote of the Day

"We are a niche carrier in a way that we are operating purely a private jet experience on a full premium class cabin and there are people who appreciate that kind of environment"

Beond CEO Tero Taskila
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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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