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August 28, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Airline Adds Adults Only Seating Zone, For A Fee

Corendon Airlines will introduce child-free zones on flights between Amsterdam and Curaçao starting in November. This 'Only Adult' zone, accommodating passengers over 16, aims to provide a peaceful environment and ease concerns of parents with noisy children. The front section of the plane will house 93 seats, with an extra €45 fee. Additionally, nine seats with extra legroom can be purchased for €100. While Corendon is the first European carrier to offer this, international airlines like AirAsia have similar services for passengers aged 12 and above, reflecting a growing traveler interest in such zones.

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Korean Air set tto weigh passengers before they fly

Korean Air will weigh passengers and their carry-on items at South Korea's major airports in a measure the airline says is to enhance flight safety. Ths follows a similar trial by Air New Zealand in May. Travelers departing from Seoul's Gimpo Airport (Aug 28 - Sep 6) and Incheon International Airport (Sep 8 - 19) will be asked to step on scales. Those who prefer not to disclose their weight can opt-out. This effort is in line with Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation's mandate to update aircraft weight standards. Weighing passengers is said to aid weight distribution and safety, as airlines typically rely on estimates.

The Independent | Related Airline becomes the latest to weigh passengers before they fly for 'safety reasons' - Mail Online

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Virgin unveils baggage tracker to ease traveller stress

Virgin Australia has unveiled the country’s first customer baggage tracking tool as part of a $400 million investment that revamped the carrier’s technology assets. The tool took two years to develop and means the airline’s domestic customers can now track the status of their checked bags from its app. So far, it’s been rolled out to about 70 per cent of the network. This comes as Virgin Australia's Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Paul Jones, is confident that the airline's recent cancellations and poor on-time performance are behind them. Jones acknowledged the disappointing performance in July and expressed apologies to affected passengers.

Sydney Morning Herald | Related

Virgin launches Australian airline-first bag tracking tool - Nine News

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FAA Invests $121m To Reduce Close Calls at Airports

The FAA has allocated $121 million to enhance safety and prevent close calls at U.S. airports. The investment covers various projects, including layout simplification, lighting system installations, and taxiway extensions. Boston Logan, Anchorage International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, and other airports are set to benefit. These measures aim to mitigate risks like runway incursions and operational delays. Shanetta Griffin, the Associate Administrator for Airports, stressed the FAA's commitment to resolving safety issues through substantial resources. The effectiveness of these upgrades will be closely monitored to address the persistent challenge of close calls at American airports.

Aviation Source News | Related

FAA announces millions in airport funding to tackle near collisions - CNN

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Saudi airport unveils ‘sleep pods’

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has introduced "sleep pods" for air passengers, offering a place to rest during transit. These pods come with interactive screens, lockers, and hotel-style beds, providing travelers the option to catch up on sleep, work, or leisure while waiting for their flights. With the capacity to accommodate 300 passengers per day, the pods ensure privacy, comfort, and safety, making them a convenient choice for those needing a brief rest before their journeys. The concept of sleeping pods has been adopted in various institutions across Saudi Arabia, including universities and hospitals.

Arabian Business | Related

Saudi Airport Introduces New Sleep Pods; Now Unwind, Snooze & Recharge - Curly Tales

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Heart Aerospace joins North American Regional Airline Association

Swedish electric aircraft manufacturer, Heart Aerospace, has joined the Regional Airline Association (RAA), which represents North American regional airlines. This membership grants Heart Aerospace access to influential connections and policy discussions that shape battery electric flight regulations. Heart Aerospace's flagship product, the ES-30 electric aircraft, designed for 30 passengers, aims to revive discontinued routes and decrease carbon emissions in regional aviation. Heart CEO, Anders Forslund, anticipates electric and hybrid air travel to expand connectivity while significantly reducing environmental impact. With 250 firm orders and substantial interest, Heart Aerospace is so far one of the leading electric and hybrid-electric aircraft manufacturers.

Aviation24.be | Related

Heart Aerospace joins Regional Airline Association - LARA

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Construction of Dulles solar project begins

Dominion Energy and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) have initiated the Dulles Solar and Storage project at Dulles International Airport. This marks the largest renewable energy venture at a U.S. airport, producing up to 100 MW of solar energy and storing 50 MW of power, enough to supply 37,000 Virginia homes at peak capacity. The project aligns with Dominion Energy's clean energy strategy and will serve their Virginia customers. The partnership also involves developing solar carports, electric transit buses, fleet vehicles, and EV charging stations. The construction, commencing in late 2023, is set to conclude by late 2026, bolstering clean energy and economic growth.

Runway Girl | Related Dominion Energy and MWAA break ground on Dulles airport solar-and-storage project - Energy Global

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture features a @qatarairways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departing out of Birmingham, UK to Doha. Via @emiratispotter51 Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

The buzz is real . . . Everyone's getting ready for the APEX/ @IFSAOnBoard #GlobalEXPO, co-located with @FutureTravelX Global. SPACES ARE STILL OPEN to showcase your products & services, & reach the highly engaged #PaxEx community: http://bit.ly/3QeDr8h

APEX @heAPEXassoc

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

“The genesis for the tool came out of a 2019 survey we did, which revealed that checking bags was one of the biggest stress points for customers. I’m sure during the last few years, that’s only become greater. So we’re now giving customers visibility over their bags across every step of the journey.”

Virgin Australia’s chief customer and digital officer, Paul Jones
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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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