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August 23, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Cathay Pacific’s New 777 First Class To Launch In 2025

Cathay Pacific is planning to introduce next-generation first-class suites on its Boeing 777-9 fleet, expected to debut from late 2025. This move keeps Cathay Pacific aligned with regional rivals such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and British Airways, who continue to invest in first-class products while some airlines are phasing them out. The Cathay 777X fleet will feature the same ‘Aria’ business class suites as the existing Boeing 777-300ER, with 21 Boeing 777-9 aircraft on order, valued at over $7 billion.

Executive Traveller | Related Cathay Pacific reveals new ‘Aria’ 777 business class suite - Executive Traveller

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Qantas Expected To Order Boeing 787-10s To Replace A330s

Qantas is expected to order Boeing 787-10s to replace its 26 Airbus A330s, according to industry sources cited by Reuters. The anticipated order follows a competition launched by incoming CEO Vanessa Hudson between Boeing and Airbus for the replacement of Qantas’ A330s, which have an average age of nearly 17 years. The move towards Boeing is seen as a shift in direction after Airbus secured significant orders from the Australian carrier last year. Neither Qantas, Boeing, nor Airbus have commented on the report.

Airline Ratings | Related Boeing boost: Qantas eyes new 787-10 order - Executive Traveller

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British Airways Celebrates 75th Japan Anniversary

British Airways is commemorating 75 years since it became the first British airline to operate passenger flights between the UK and Japan. The airline, previously known as BOAC, extended its service to Japan in 1948. To celebrate, British Airways will reintroduce first-class service on London-Tokyo routes from September 1, and launch its business Club Suite on flights between Tokyo Haneda and London’s Heathrow from October 31. The airline has also created special celebratory dishes inspired by heritage menus.

Business Traveller | Related British Airways doubles amount of inflight entertainment content available onboard - Business Traveller

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Lufthansa Technik Flags GDPR Constraint To Portal-free IFC In Europe

Lufthansa Technik’s Lukas Bucher has raised concerns about SpaceX’s Starlink Aviation service in Europe due to GDPR regulations. The ‘frictionless’ approach may conflict with the GDPR’s requirement to process EU residents’ data with consent, impacting the service’s appeal to airlines with frequent flyer programs. Additionally, SpaceX’s approach could hinder its adoption among airlines, as it may affect the direct relationship with passengers. Questions remain on how SpaceX will handle these issues, with no comment from the company yet on their plans for the European market.

Runway Girl Network | Related Lufthansa Technik talks IFC industry disruption, MRO crunch - Runway Girl Network

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Lufthansa CEO Works As An Attendant On A Flight From Frankfurt

Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter recently worked as an additional crew member on a flight from Frankfurt to Riyadh and Bahrain, assisting in both business and economy classes. With nearly 12 years of experience as a pilot for Lufthansa, Ritter described the experience as “interesting and challenging,” gaining new insight into the organization and attentiveness required by cabin crew. Though partially a publicity move, this hands-on approach emphasizes the value in airline leadership understanding various roles within the company.

One Mile at a Time | Related From CEO to Cabin Crew: Lufthansa CEO Works Trip As a Flight Attendant - Jetline Marvel

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Schiphol Buys 30 Lifting Aids To Lighten Baggage Workload

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has invested in 30 lifting aids from Power Stow to enhance working conditions in the baggage hall. Named the Transfer Belt, the device helps in unloading baggage quickly and easily, easing the physical workload for baggage handlers. After successful testing, Royal Schiphol Group’s CEO is exploring the possibility of scaling up production. This investment, along with the planned implementation of 19 baggage robots, aligns with the airport’s efforts to meet Labour Inspectorate requirements by April 2024.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Schiphol deploys more electric ground equipment - Passenger Terminal Today

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American Airlines Sues Travel Website Skiplagged

American Airlines has filed a lawsuit against travel website Skiplagged for offering “hidden-city” ticketing, where travelers book a cheaper connecting flight but disembark after the first leg. The suit, filed in Texas, accuses Skiplagged of deceptive practices, claiming that the site often charges more than direct bookings and misleads consumers into thinking they are accessing a secret loophole. American is seeking a permanent injunction against Skiplagged, an accounting of sales, statutory damages, and actual damages caused by the website’s actions.

The Guardian | Related American Airlines Sues Airfare Site Skiplagged - One Mile at a Time

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @ryuno_aviatin_photo, showing an All Nippon Airways Boeing 767 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

$500 value @SouthwestAir gift cards for $449.99 at #Costco. These are actually a good value even if you’re an occasional casual #PaxEx flier. Even I just purchased one.

WTC @FormerlyWTC

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

“Our new first class, which we expect to be a world-leading one, will be coming on our 777-9 fleet (and) the first one will be delivered in 2025.”

American Airlines’ CEO Robert Isom
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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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