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September 9, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Delta Publishes Results of COVID-19 Testing Study

A study conducted by Delta Air Lines, the Mayo Clinic and the Georgia Department of Health found that COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of departure reduces the risk of being exposed to the virus to less than 0.1%. The study used customer data on Delta's COVID-19-tested flights from New York to Rome. Almost 10,000 passengers underwent testing. Only four (0.04%) tested positive in the US and one (0.01%) tested positive on arrival in Italy. “This real-world data ... is what governments can use as a blueprint for requiring vaccinations and testing instead of quarantines to reopen borders for international travel,” said Dr. Henry Ting, Delta’s chief health officer.

Delta Air Lines | Related Delta Air Lines is raising health insurance premiums for unvaccinated employees – CNBC

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Inmarsat Launches Velaris Connectivity Solution for UAVs

Inmarsat’s new Velaris connectivity solution, powered by the company’s ELERA satellite network, will provide secure communications for commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) so they can seamlessly integrate with commercial airspace. Supported by military grade cybersecurity, Velaris will allow operators to send UAVs on long-distance flights using real-time monitoring. It will also enable a single pilot to remotely operate multiple UAVs, making operations more commercially viable. “Velaris will continue to evolve alongside the UAV industry,” said Anthony Spouncer, Inmarsat’s senior director, UAVs and Unmanned Traffic Management.

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AA Offers Free Access to Live Sports, News Content on Domestic Flights

From today, American Airlines (AA) passengers flying on the carrier’s domestic narrow-body aircraft will have free access to live sports and news content via the carrier's wireless in-flight entertainment portal. “Investing in our Wi-Fi technology has allowed us to deliver more than movies and TV shows,” said Clarissa Sebastian, AA’s managing director of Premium Customer Experience and Onboard Products. “We know being able to watch live sports is really exciting for many travelers.” The airline is also allowing its AAdvantage members to earn miles during football season at participating sports clothing stores, restaurants and more.

American Airlines | Related American Airlines will let you watch 30 minutes of TikTok in the air for free – The Verge

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UATP Partners with BitPay on Cryptocurrency Payments

UATP, a payment network owned and operated by airlines, is partnering with BitPay to enable the acceptance of payments in cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and more. Stephen Pair, co-founder and CEO at BitPay, commented, “Cryptocurrency continues to gain momentum as a safe and trusted payment option, especially for high-value purchases like travel. BitPay's partnership with UATP provides their customers with the inherent benefits of blockchain payments without having to handle, hold, or buy crypto themselves.”

PR Newswire | Related UATP to Offer Pay in 4 With PayPal for Airfare Purchases Across its Airline Partners – Yahoo Finance

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Eutelsat Completes Oneweb Investment

Eutelsat Communications (Eutelsat) has completed its $550m equity investment in OneWeb, which was first announced on April 27, 2021. Subject to the closing of the subsequently announced investments in OneWeb by Bharti and Hanwha, Eutelsat will hold a 17.6% stake in the company. Eutelsat’s CEO, Rodolphe Belmer, commented, “We are delighted to close this investment in OneWeb, giving us a foothold in the low Earth orbit segment. We look forward to working in cooperation with OneWeb as its entry into operational service approaches, with almost 50% of the constellation now in orbit.”

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Cathay Pacific Creates 75th Anniversary with Special Memorabilia

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Cathay Pacific has used materials from its archives to create a range of limited edition memorabilia that can be purchased through the carrier’s Asia Miles website. It includes 435 cardholder and pen sets made by branding and design firm Eight Partnership using metal from a retired 747-400 and inspired by the aircraft’s shape. Cathay Pacific also partnered with Hong Kong lifestyle label G.O.D., which has previously worked on the airline’s amenity kits, to upcycle hundreds of cabin crew and cockpit uniforms into teddy bears, pouches, cushions and bags.

The Design Air | Related Cathay Pacific Adds 4K IFE Screens to Latest Digital Cabin Upgrades – Aviation Today

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Wright Electric Continues Zero Emissions Aircraft Development

Wright Electric has developed and begun testing a two megawatt electric powertrain motor in a continuation of its mission to develop a zero emissions aircraft. The company successfully tested its next-generation inverter technology earlier this year and will now integrate it with the electric powertrain motor to conduct high altitude chamber testing and gather data for future aircraft certification. Wright Electric will do so at a new, US-based laboratory and motor test site set to be operational later this year. EasyJet, a partner of the company since 2017, said it will become an early adopter of the technology.

Travel Daily News | Related Wright Electric Advances Plans For Electric Airliner – AIN Online

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Why don't all aircraft paint their model type on their bodies? Captured by @aviation_kevin.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Congratulations to @Skyteam for committing to #25by2025 to drive greater gender equality across the Airplane industry. Read their press release for more details: https://bit.ly/3A043lE

IATA @IATA

Association News

APEX EXPO is Going Above and Beyond to Ensure Delegate Health Safety

t 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

“Our new antenna offering with ThinKom is an integral part of our network and will allow airlines to access both current and future satellite constellations.”

Jeff Sare, Panasonic Avionics
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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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