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August 25, 2021

ITA to Commence Operations on October 15

The board of Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA), Italy’s new national airline, has approved the company’s binding offer for Alitalia’s aviation business and, on August 26, will begin flight sales and open applications for staff. ITA intends to start commercial operations on October 15, having already obtained its Air Operator Certificate from the Italian Civil Aviation Authority. It will commence with a fleet of 52 aircraft including seven Airbus A330s, 44 A320 family aircraft and one Embraer jet, but eventually plans to operate a homogenous fleet. The airline will initially hire up to 2,950 employees, but said this number could grow to 3,950 by 2025.

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FAA Launches Boeing Review Following ODA Unit Complaints

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching a review into Boeing following complaints from the OEM’s Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) unit that it interfered in safety matters. A letter it sent to Boeing reads, “Boeing’s company culture appears to hamper the ODA unit from communicating openly with the FAA … The organizational structure appears to provide a strong influence on how members are appointed, managed and allowed to perform authorized functions, which provides ample opportunity for interference.” Boeing said it is taking immediate action based on the FAA's recommendations.

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Etihad Celebrates UAE’s Golden Jubilee Together with Local Talent

Etihad Airways has launched a host of initiatives focused on local talent to celebrate the United Arab Emirates’ 50th anniversary. It has enlisted 13-year-old Aysha Al Obeidli, who was crowned KidZania Dubai’s 2018 Minichef, to create a dessert that will be served with children’s meals on flights during the UAE’s National Day weekend. Elsewhere, a new book from children’s author and illustrator Maitha Al Khayat will use stories from Etihad to inspire young people to work in aviation. Amina Taher, Etihad’s VP Brand, Marketing and Sponsorships, said, “The project aims to raise the profile of the UAE as a hotspot for culture and art.”

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Astronics, Aerotec Concept Enter Cooperative Agreement

Astronics Corporation has entered a cooperative agreement with France-based Aerotec Concept to expand its design, development, certification and manufacturing capabilities in the European aerospace market. Mike Kuehn, president at Astronics CSC, said, “We look forward to supporting the European market as it continues to recover from the impact of COVID-19.” Johan Clochet, Aerotec’s CEO, added, “Together, we are in a great position to serve both EASA and FAA customers.” The two companies have already collaborated on multiple projects, including Astronics’ newly launched Cabin Network IFE Platform.

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FAA Releases Video to Discourage Unruly Passenger Incidents

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a public service announcement video aimed at preventing unruly passenger incidents. It features recordings of flight crews informing air traffic controllers of emergency situations alongside audio from in-flight altercations. The FAA’s tagline for the video reads, “You don't want your pilots distracted. Unruly behavior doesn't fly.” It was released alongside figures showing there were reports of 99 new incidents involving unruly passengers over the last week. Over 73% of the reports so far this year concern the federal transportation mask mandate, which was recently extended.

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AA Outlines Reopening Plans for Flagship Lounges

From September, American Airlines (AA) will reopen its Flagship lounges complete with Flagship First Dining, which sees AA collaborate with the James Beard Foundation and local chefs on regional menus. John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Flagship Lounge will open on September 14 with the dining element led by Ayesha Nurdjaja, whose New York restaurants focus on Eastern Mediterranean recipes. Timon Balloo, famous for his work at Miami’s SUGARCANE restaurant, is designing the menu for Miami International Airport’s Flagship Lounge, which opens September 28.

American Airlines | Related American Airlines’ Ban on Main Cabin Alcohol Extended Into 2022 – Travelpulse

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Toronto Pearson Develops Ecommerce Platform, Offers Home Delivery

Toronto Pearson International Airport has introduced a new ecommerce platform, The Shops at Pearson. Developed in partnership with Dufry and Shopify, the platform’s pilot phase will see it offer home delivery for beauty, fashion and accessories within Ontario. The airport said, “As not everyone is ready to travel yet, we are bringing the stores people love directly to them ... and there are even some heavily discounted prices.” In 2022, home delivery will move beyond Ontario and, moving forward, The Shops at Pearson will increase the available product lines. In future, it hopes to showcase local brands and experiences.

Moodie Davitt Report | Related Toronto Pearson airport issues warning over anticipated weekend delays due to increased travelers – Global News

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A French Bee A350 heading home to Paris. Captured by @stage2aviation.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Lufthansa holds on to the famous tradition of "Trachtencrew" flights, even if the #Oktoberfest cannot take place as usual this year. 💙🤍 Some of our crews will take off in the traditional costume on selected flights in September & October. 🥨 Today, they met for a fitting. ✂️

Lufthansa News @lufthansaNews

Association News

How APEX/IFSA Are Prioritizing Delegate Health Safety at APEX EXPO

At APEX EXPO this year, all attendees, staff and vendors must be fully vaccinated or provide a ‎negative COVID-19 test result to attend the event. Furthermore, photographic ID will be required ‎when delegates collect their badges. To be considered fully vaccinated, attendees must have received ‎their final dose by October 3, 2021. Find out more about the health and safety precautions being taken by APEX & IFSA at APEX EXPO.

> Quote of the Day

“Passengers can pause and resume at their convenience, which will also pause and resume the other parties’ screens accordingly.”

Mack Sinnott, IdeaNova Technologies
Read the article

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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