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September 7, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

PAL to Restructure Under US Chapter 11 Process

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US. As part of its restructuring plans, the carrier hopes to cut $2 billion in debt, raise $505 million in financing from its existing majority shareholder, PAL Holdings, and generate $150 million of additional financing from new investors. PAL’s president, Gilbert Santa Maria, said the airline will return 22 of its 92 aircraft to lessors, as it doesn’t expect travel to return to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2024. It has also postponed the delivery of 13 narrow-body Airbus aircraft, and has the option to cancel some orders beyond the period between 2026 to 2030.

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Ryanair, Boeing End 737 MAX 10 Negotiations

Ryanair has ended talks with Boeing regarding an order for the OEM’s 737 MAX 10 aircraft. “Boeing has a more optimistic view of aircraft prices than we do, and we have a disciplined track record of not paying high prices for aircraft,” commented Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s CEO. “This may explain why other large Boeing customers such as Delta and Jet2 have placed new orders with Airbus, rather than Boeing, in recent weeks.” The carrier will continue to take delivery of its order for 210 Boeing 737 MAX 8200 jets between now and 2025, bringing the total size of its fleet to over 600 aircraft.

Travel Radar | Related Hello Finland: Ryanair announces 14 new London routes for winter – The Points Guy UK

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SITA to Integrate Iridium Certus into its Aircraft Communications Portfolio

SITA is integrating the Iridium Certus satellite communications service into its Unified Aircraft Communications portfolio. Iridium Certus provides secure global coverage via a native IP connection to the cockpit and increases the capacity of the aircraft communications ecosystem, allowing for the adoption of applications that drive operational efficiencies. SITA will support the validation of the Iridium Certus service and aircraft satellite communications systems for Future Air Navigation System use on the SITA network to ensure its suitability for air traffic control communications. Evaluations will begin by the end of 2022.

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American, Alaska Further Incentivize Employee Vaccination

In a new push to encourage staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines now require unvaccinated workers to use their sick time or medical leave if they miss work because of the virus. The change went into effect at Alaska on August 30, while American will introduce the policy on October 1. Alaska Airlines also said it will pay its employees $200 if they provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination by October 15. Those who fail to do so will have to wear masks at all times and attend a “mandatory vaccine education program.”

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Iberia’s IFE Now Includes ThePowerMBA Masterclasses

This month, Iberia will begin offering executive training courses from business school ThePowerMBA via the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system onboard its long-haul flights. Initially, three blocks of masterclasses will be available, covering entrepreneurship, business and digital marketing. Each audiovisual class is 15 minutes long. Iberia said it will expand the range of available masterclasses over time and is aiming to become “the first university in the air.”

Business Traveller | Related Mindvalley added to Emirates IFE line-up – Inflight Online

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Plaza Premium to Manage Passenger Services at Kempegowda

Plaza Premium will manage all passenger services at India’s Kempegowda International Airport for the next ten years, including meet and assist, luggage storage, pet care, personal shopping, limo services and more. The company has partnered with Tata Consultancy Services to develop an end-to-end passenger services technology platform, and with oneDirect to enable passenger interactions to be managed via one single platform across multiple touchpoints. Song-Hoi-see, founder and CEO at Plaza Premium, said, “We have strategized to invest over US$15m and will deploy a workforce of more than 800 staff over the 10 years.”

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Plaza Premium Group Extends Lounge Experience to São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport – Aviation Pros

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LAX Tests Robot Food Delivery Service

In partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and AtYourGate, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is piloting the use of NomNom, a semi-autonomous robot helper, as part of the LAX Order Now online food and beverage ordering service. NomNom can carry up to 18 kilograms of food as it follows behind delivery staff at speeds of up to nine kilometers per hour. It uses a series of cameras and sensors to recognize and follow its handler through the airport. Users of LAX Order Now are notified via their devices when orders are on their way and when they arrive in the designated gate area.

The Moodie Davitt Report | Related Contactless and Cute: Robots Aiding Airport Food Delivery – APEX Media

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Departure out of Las Vegas McCarran. Captured by @pytolson.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Such an honour to fly home @ParalympicsGB. We would like to wish our heroes a well deserved rest #YouMakeUsFly #ImpossibleToIgnore #BritishAirways

British Airways @British_Airways

Association News

Register for APEX EXPO Today!

This year’s APEX EXPO will be the first in-person industry event of 2021. It is set to attract 3,000 aviation professionals including airline CEOs, executives, suppliers and decision-makers to connect, collaborate and innovate over three full days from October 19-21 at the Long Beach Convention Center in California. Find out more about what to expect and register now.

> Quote of the Day

“It’s about making sure we don’t give only dolls to girls and Legos to boys.”

Christine Ourmières-Widener, TAP Air Portugal
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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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