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September 5, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

France Calls For An End To Cheap Flights In Europe

France aims to eliminate €10 airfares within the EU to reduce emissions and air travel. French Transport Minister, Clément Beaune, said these low fares don’t reflect the environmental cost and will propose price regulation for low-cost carriers to the EU. Beaune has previously suggested raising airfare taxes to fund ecological transitions, like rail travel. A report highlighted that train tickets in France are 2.6 times costlier than plane tickets. In May, France restricted certain short-haul domestic flights, favoring train travel. Ryanair’s CEO also hinted at ending cheap air travel due to rising fuel costs.

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Full Recovery Of Passenger Traffic Expected In 2024

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts a complete recovery of passenger traffic by 2024. Key performance indicators suggest a positive trend, with Revenue passenger-kilometers (RPKs) rising by 40.5% year-on-year in 2Q. As COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in 2022, seat supply grew by 34.8%. Passenger load factors neared pre-pandemic figures at 82.4%. Global domestic passenger traffic surpassed 2019 levels by 4.5% in 2Q23, largely due to resilient domestic markets and China’s strong rebound. However, IATA cautions that potential economic slowdowns may impact the recovery.

Aviation Source News | Related IATA: Global Air Traffic Is At 94% Of Pre-Pandemic Levels - Simple Flying

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Qatar Airways Showcases Final Onboard Theme Song In Al Fardan’s Trilogy

Qatar Airways has introduced its new onboard theme song, “The Ascent,” composed by Dana Al Fardan and played by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s the third song in a trilogy Al Fardan composed for the airline since becoming its official composer in 2016. The songs combine Arabic instruments with classical ones. Al Fardan emphasizes blending sounds without compromising their authenticity. Qatar Airways’ CEO, Akbar Al Baker, praised the song’s embodiment of the airline’s brand identity. The trilogy will be on major streaming platforms from September 10.

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Air India Reveals New Maharaja For Business Class Lounges And Crockery

Air India, now owned by Tata Sons, has revamped its brand identity, leading many to question the fate of its iconic mascot, the Maharaja. Introduced in 1946, the Maharaja is being refreshed with a slimmer look, modern turban, and smart shoes. He’ll feature in business class lounges and onboard crockery. Despite his global appearances, he’s more recognized domestically. The mascot’s redesign fits Air India’s broader rebranding by FutureBrand, with a chakra-inspired livery in red, aubergine, and gold.

Runway Girl | Related Air India Unveils New 4 Class Cabin and New Livery - Sam Chui

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BermudAir Takes Flight Promising New ‘Aisle Class’

BermudAir, a new airline flying between the US and Bermuda, made its inaugural flight on September 1st on an Embraer E175 aircraft with 44 seats. By November 2023, the airline’s Embraers will feature a unique 1-1 ‘Aisle Class’ configuration with only 30 seats. The premium service will lack overhead bins for a spacious feel and faster boarding, opting for under-seat stowage. Passengers can expect in-seat power, free Wi-Fi, and exclusive amenities. The overall concept and design comes from London agency, Factory Design, which specialises in developing high end cabin interiors.

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Monarch Airlines Postpones Relaunch, Citing Lack Of Cash

Monarch Airlines has postponed its launch due to rapid exhaustion of start-up funds. While the airline had been seeking alternative routes, such as partial divestment of share capital, it claims there is currently “no practical option to move forward in the immediate future”. Monarch Airlines, however, announced that it will continue to look for alternatives to carry on with its relaunch. The carrier had planned to start operations in summer 2024 and continue the legacy of the previous iteration of Monarch Airlines which went bankrupt in 2017.

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Jewel Changi Airport Launches Floral Art Display For Festival

Jewel Changi Airport will unveil its first plant and flower event “Jewel Blooms: Splendours of Singapore” from September 1-10, 2023, featuring ten 1.5m floral displays at Shiseido Forest Valley and Canopy Park. Designed by renowned floral artists, the displays capture Singapore’s essence, with Anson Low recreating the HSBC Rain Vortex. ITE College Central students and young florists will showcase their creations, and passengers can attend workshops, talks, and shop at a dedicated marketplace.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Changi Airport launches 5G Aviation Testbed - Passenger Terminal Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @wolnerchris_aviation, showing an Air Greenland Airbus A330-800 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

The @OfficialStarAir (S5) - @embraer #E175 have 12 seats in business and 64 in economy. The highlight of course is no middle seats. I am in Seat 1A for these three back to back flights. Interestingly, S5 is the only all jet regional airline in India. #AvGeek #PaxEx

VT-VLO @Vinamralongani

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

“Plane tickets at €10, at a time of ecological transition, this is no longer possible. This does not reflect the price for the planet.”

Clément Beaune, French Transport Minister
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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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