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September 13, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Breeze Airways Orders 20 More A220-300s

Breeze Airways has confirmed an additional order with Airbus for 20 A220 aircraft, bringing the carrier’s total order book with the OEM to 80 A220-300s. The first of the type is scheduled to be delivered to Breeze during the fourth quarter of 2021. The airline has also revealed its new blue A220-300 livery, which was completed at Airbus' US facility in Mobile, Alabama. Breeze Airways will begin operations using its A220s, which will be delivered at the rate of approximately one per month, in the second quarter of 2022.

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CTT Systems Develops Humidifier to Address VOCs

CTT Systems has developed a design for a modified Boeing 777X humidifier that counters the issue of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the cabin. The design incorporates pad material provided by Munters and a new active carbon filter solution from Camfil. The pad has a service life of 4,000 flight hours, the same as the humidifier, so it can be more easily replaced. The overall unit, launching this month, will reduce VOCs by up to 80% and ozone by up to 75% in the air and during fume events on the ground.

Inflight Online | Related CTT AND MUNTERS PARTNER TO DEVELOP HIGH-PERFORMANCE PAD MATERIAL FOR USE IN AIRCRAFT HUMIDIFIERS – CTT Systems

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ACCC Rules Against Qantas, JAL Joint Business Agreement

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has ruled against a joint business agreement between Qantas and Japan Airlines (JAL). The ACCC said it “would not only remove competition between Qantas and JAL, it would make it very difficult for other airlines to operate on routes between Australia and Japan.” As a result, Qantas said its plans for direct flights between Cairns and Tokyo are no longer commercially viable. The two carriers will continue with their existing codeshare and oneworld partnerships.

Executive Traveller | Related Qantas To Recall Five Airbus A380s In Mid-2022 – Simple Flying

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Emirates Creates Oculus Rift VR App

Emirates teamed up with Renacen to create an Oculus Rift virtual reality (VR) app. It allows users to explore Emirates' economy-, business- and first-class cabins, as well as the Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa on its A380s. The carrier is currently working on an updated version featuring its premium economy-class cabin and latest A380 interiors. In future, it plans to offer users the ability to explore destinations and book and pay for their flights. This option is already available for those using immersive 3D, web VR and 360 degree view technology via the Emirates website and mobile app.

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Southwest Extends Alcohol Ban to January 2022

Southwest will not resume on-board alcohol sales until at least January 2022. It announced plans to start selling in-flight cocktails, beer and wine earlier this summer, but the move was delayed following a serious unruly passenger incident. However, due to obligations to its suppliers, Southwest will reintroduce several soft drinks, including mixers, during October. These include orange juice, cranberry cocktail juice, ginger ale, seltzer water and tonic water. Passengers currently have the choice of four beverages: Coke, Diet Coke, 7-Up and canned water.

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Australia Plans to Allow International Travel with DPD

Australia is to automate the process of entering the country using a Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) being developed by the Department of Home Affairs. The DPD will replace Australia’s physical Incoming Passenger Card and digital COVID-19 Australian Travel Declaration form. It will collect personal information including passengers’ vaccination status up to 72 hours before boarding, will link with the system providing QR code vaccination certificates, and will pass on relevant information to public health authorities to assist with contact tracing.

Sydney Morning Herald | Related Australia to trial vaccine passports over coming days as post-Covid opening preparation begins – CNN

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Gategroup Announces New CEO

From November 1, Christoph Schmitz will replace Xavier Rossinyol as CEO at gategroup. Schmitz, who is currently the company’s CFO, joined in 2015 and oversaw gategroup’s transition from public to private ownership the following year. Rossinyol, who also joined gategroup in 2015 and led the company through a growth phase until 2019, will stay until January 2022 to support the transition. “I am convinced that a new era of success starts for gategroup under the strong leadership of Christoph,” he said.

DFNI Online | Related Gategroup announces signing of agreement with United Airlines at select US hubs – Gategroup

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

The arrival of a Qantas 747-400ER at Sydney Airport. Captured by @fstop.aviation.

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

> Tweet of the Day

UK Health Secretary @sajidjavid wants to ditch PCR tests for travelers as soon as he can and that they "shouldn't be in place for a second longer than absolutely necessary." We couldn't agree more!👏 Let's get rid of these tests so we can #Fly2Reunite

IATA @IATA

Association News

Early Bird Registration for APEX EXPO Ends Wednesday!

Register before Tuesday 14 September to receive early bird pricing for APEX EXPO, which is taking place from 19-21 October at the Long Beach Convention Center in California. The event is set to attract over 1,500 industry professionals, including hundreds of representatives from ‎dozens of airlines.‎ You don't want to miss it! Register now.

> Quote of the Day

“Our VICTS phased array antennas are designed to seamlessly roam on both LEO and GEO networks, delivering unparalleled flexibility and resiliency.”

Mark Silk, 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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