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August 25, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Qantas Posts Record A$2.47 Billion Profit & Launches Mega Sale

Qantas has reported a stunning financial turnaround, with an underlying profit of AU$2.47 billion ($1.63 billion) for FY23, after an underlying loss of AU$1.86 billion ($1.23 billion) in FY22. This marks the airline’s first full-year statutory profit since FY19. The profit was bolstered by Qantas’ AU$1 billion ($660 million) recovery program and substantial growth in domestic flying, which increased to 103% of pre-COVID levels. The airline has also announced discounted fares and gifted frequent flyer points as part of its celebration.

Simple Flying | Related Qantas delivers record $2.47bn profit on back of soaring demand and high ticket prices - The Guardian

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UK’s Monarch Airlines 2.0 Eyes A320 Family Aircraft & 2023 Debut

New investors are planning to resurrect UK’s Monarch Airlines, aiming to serve North Africa and Gibraltar from London Luton with fifteen Airbus narrowbodies. The new carrier expects to begin the air operator’s certificate process with the UK Civil Aviation Authority by the end of September. Headquartered at London Luton, the revived Monarch Airlines will focus on higher-end and sustainable tourism in underserved regions. Full confirmation statements regarding investments and branding rights are expected to be filed soon.

ch-aviation | Related Monarch Airlines set to return to the skies - Business Traveller

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Delta Sky Club Opens At Newark Airport Terminal A

Delta Air Lines has opened a new 7,000 square foot Sky Club at Newark Airport (EWR), marking its fifth new Sky Club opening in 2023. Located in Terminal A near gate A8, the lounge features a premium bar, buffet, amenity zones, and seating for around 200 guests. It is designed with inspiration from Newark’s industrial history and the ‘Garden State.’ The opening coincides with Delta’s move to Terminal A, enhancing the passenger experience and adding to the improvements in New York-area airports.

One Mile at a Time | Related Delta opens new Sky Club at Newark’s Terminal A - Business Traveller

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Air India Hones Retrofit Plan For 43 Boeing Widebodies

Air India is retrofitting 43 of its vintage Boeing widebodies with new interiors including seats, galleys, lavatories, and inflight entertainment systems. Boeing will handle the retrofit for 27 Boeing 787-8s, while HAECO will equip 16 Boeing 777s. The new 777s will offer first, business, premium economy, and economy class seats, with the first retrofitted aircraft arriving in the second half of 2024. The announcement comes as Air India also revealed a new logo and livery, part of a broader transformation effort.

Runway Girl Network | Related How other airlines’ PaxEx will help Air India to climb - Runway Girl Network

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British Airways To Refresh Lounges At Edinburgh, Seattle And Heathrow

British Airways is refreshing its lounges at Edinburgh, Seattle, and Heathrow, including a new bar and menu in Seattle, and new furniture and day beds at Heathrow. As part of the Heathrow T5B lounge refresh, a new Whispering Angel rosé wine bar was unveiled. In the Concorde Room, an exclusive ‘Turbine Martini’ has been created, with a special motorized mixer available for purchase. The airline is also introducing a full range of Don Julio Tequilas, including the offering of 1942 Anejo in specific cabins from September.

Business Traveller | Related British Airways Opens New Bar At London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 - Simple Flying

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Virgin Australia Launches Qantas Status Match

Virgin Australia is offering Qantas frequent flyers a chance to switch their status into a year of Gold membership in Virgin’s Velocity rewards program. Launched as a “fast-track Discover Gold trial membership,” the Virgin Australia Velocity Gold 2023 status match provides benefits like lounge access, priority boarding, increased baggage allowance, and bonus points on Virgin flights. It also aligns with Virgin’s multi-year partnership with Luxury Escapes, allowing Velocity’s 11.5 million members to earn and use points on Luxury Escapes’ bookings. The offer is valid until September 15, 2023.

Executive Traveller | Related Velocity Frequent Flyer and Luxury Escapes partnership takes off with Status Match offer - Virgin Australia

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SSP America To Operate Food And Beverage Offer At Fresno Yosemite International

SSP America has been contracted to operate several post-security restaurants at Fresno Yosemite International Airport in California, including Peet's Coffee, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, and Mad Duck Craft Brewing Co. The restaurant choices align with the airport's goal of providing a comfortable travel experience while celebrating the region’s culinary culture. SSP America will manage two interim units during the development process of three permanent establishments. The full transformation is expected to be completed by autumn 2025, with interim brands in place during construction.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related London City Airport extends contract with SSP for seven years - Passenger Terminal Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @vabb_spotter, showing an Air Tanzania Boeing 787 at Mumbai International Airport.

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

> Tweet of the Day

What the Air India Lounge at Delhi T3 lacks in looks, it makes up in the lack of crowds and exclusivity. Accessible for AI Business Class and Star Alliance Gold members. #paxex

Ajay Awtaney @LiveFromALounge

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 safely flew almost 70 billion more seat kilometers and doubled the number of people we carried to 46 million compared to the year before. It’s because we’re in a strong financial position that we're able to invest in new aircraft, new destinations and new training facilities - all things that will make us better in the future.”

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce
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The next newsletter will be out on Monday.

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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