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August 31, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Ethiopian, Boeing Sign MoU to Establish African Aviation Hub

Ethiopian Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing to position Ethiopia as an aviation hub for Africa. Joint multidisciplinary teams have been established to allow the two parties to collaborate on developing Ethiopia’s manufacturing capabilities and aftermarket aviation services; to build a cutting-edge pipeline for aviation careers in Ethiopia; and to create specialized learning and development programs to meet workforce demands in partnership with educational institutions and aviation industry partners over the next three years.

Ethiopian Airlines | Related Ethiopian establishes Boeing 767 passenger-to-freighter conversion site at Addis Ababa hub – Aviation24

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Collins Aerospace to Acquire FlightAware

Collins Aerospace has signed a definitive agreement to acquire FlightAware. Subject to regulatory approvals, the aircraft flight tracking, data and analysis company will join Collins Aerospace’s information management services portfolio, which sits within the avionics business unit. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. Head of Avionics at Collins Aerospace, Dave Nieuwsma, commented, “Global connectivity now shapes and impacts every segment of aviation. FlightAware … will help Collins unlock the full power of the connected ecosystem for our customers.”

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Lufthansa Reveals Tasting HEIMAT Catering Concept

From September 1, Lufthansa will introduce “Tasting HEIMAT,” a new catering concept for business-class passengers on short- and medium-haul flights. Developed by gategroup chefs Julia Komp and Dennis Puchert, the menus are inspired by traditional German cuisine mixed with unusual components. They will change weekly, and on outward and return flights. Dishes will include a shrimp salad with a beetroot and potato terrine; Frankfurt classic “Grie Soß,” which consists of young kale, a poached egg and French Macaire potatoes; and a take on “Leipziger Allerlei” as a chicken salad with celeriac, juniper and black walnuts.

Lufthansa Group | Related Lufthansa launches new in-flight catering concept for economy class – Future Travel Experience

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Cathay’s A321neo Features HAECO’s Vector Economy Seat

HAECO Cabin Solutions supplied its Vector Economy economy-class seats for Cathay Pacific’s new Airbus A321neo aircraft, which now flies from Hong Kong to regional destinations in Asia. Vector Economy features include an ergonomic headrest, folding tablet-holder and smartphone ledge, an 11.6-inch HD in-flight entertainment screen, and USB-A and USB-C charging ports. Vivian Lo, general manager, Customer Experience and Design at Cathay Pacific, said, “It is a similar seat to the one operated on the A350-1000 fleet and we believe that our passengers will appreciate its exceptional comfort.”

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US Passenger Numbers Fall, But Still Average 70% of 2019 Traffic

Last week, the US Transportation Security Administration reported the lowest number of air travel passengers since May. However, the figures still came in at approximately 70% of 2019 numbers. The 1,468,219 passengers traveling on August 24 marked almost 73% of 2019 capacity; and the 1,539,707 passengers that flew on August 25 represent 70% of the total number of passengers two years ago. According to Adobe Digital Insights, there has been a decrease in flight bookings for two straight months, with ticket sales already declining 13% from June to July.

TravelPulse | Related Air travel declined in August amid delta variant fears – The Hill

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West Entertainment Updates Team Structure

West Entertainment has announced changes to its management structure. Eric Silverstein has become VP Operations and Technology, and will oversee the company's content service provider operations. Eric will also manage all new technologies and partnerships, including West Entertainment's Jetset AI product. Lindsay Arellano has been promoted to senior account director, and Ayesha Virji is now account director. “I could not be happier with the way the West team has adapted, grown and thrived during the past 18 months – it is their dedication ... that [is] driving West’s continued success,” said Kate Groth, West Entertainment’s president.

West Entertainment | Related Expanded Partnership Sees West Entertainment Become ANA’s Content Service Provider – APEX Media

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BWI Opens On-Site Medical Center

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) now has an on-site clinic, FirstCall Medical Center, that offers emergency care, first aid, COVID-19 vaccines and testing, travel vaccines and more. It is open from 06:00 A.M. until 21:00 P.M. each day for pre-booked and walk-in appointments. The center accepts most major insurance plans and self-pay options. Ricky Smith, executive director at BWI, said, “We are excited that FirstCall Medical Center will offer convenient, accessible health care and on-site testing for the traveling public and the airport community.”

Travel Daily News | Related Nova Medical Centers Expands into Fifth State with Announcement of Milwaukee Airport Center – PR Newswire

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Rocketing out of ORD on a shiny new Boeing 737 MAX 8. Captured by @jaspreettravels.

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

> Tweet of the Day

We'd like to introduce you to YL-ABD - the latest addition to @airBaltic fleet that reached @riga_airport this morning. We are thrilled our fleet now has already 30 @airbus A220-300 aircraft!

airBaltic @airBaltic

Association News

APEX EXPO is Going Above and Beyond to Ensure Delegates' Health Safety

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

"U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg recently [stated], “I am among those impatient to see loved ones across the Atlantic.”"

Dr. Joe Leader, APEX/IFSA
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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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