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September 14, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Ryanair Threatens To Trim Italian Network Over ‘Illegal’ Fare Caps

Ryanair may reduce flights in Italy by 20% this winter due to “illegal and unenforceable” price caps on domestic airfares to Sardinia and Sicily. CEO Michael O’Leary criticized the fare cap proposal, which restricts fares to not exceed 200% of their average price. Ryanair has filed a formal complaint with the European Commission and reduced flights to Sardinia by 10%. Italy’s industry minister, Adolfo Urso, defended the proposal, citing Ryanair’s past market rule breaches. The European Commission is seeking clarification on the proposal, as price caps do not achieve competitive prices.

Simple Flying | Related Ryanair’s O’Leary takes aim at Italian price cap - Reuters

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United Debuts Largest-Ever Lounge At Denver Airport

Denver International Airport (DEN) now houses the largest United Airlines lounge. With a 35,000 square-foot area in the airport’s Concourse B, the lounge features a bar, local and craft beers, and decor by local artists. This opening follows a 24,900 square-foot ski lodge-inspired lounge in Concourse A, doubling the passenger accommodation. A third lounge is planned for 2025, totaling 100,000 square-feet of United Clubs in DEN. This expansion is part of United’s $1 billion investment in the Denver market, which also includes six new routes, 35 additional flights, and 12 additional gates.

The Points Guy | Related Biggest-Ever United Club Opens At Denver Airport - One Mile at a Time

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SAUDIA To Be The First Airline To Fly To Red Sea International

Red Sea Global (RSG) signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and daa International for SAUDIA to be the first airline to operate flights to Red Sea International (RSI) airport. Initially, RSI will open for domestic flights before expanding to international flights in 2024. The agreement also includes joint research on Lower Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF), Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and electric vertical take-off and landing jets (eVTOL) at RSI. The airport, designed by Foster and Partners, is expected to serve one million tourists annually by 2030.

Business Traveller | Related SAUDIA: First to Operate at Red Sea International Airport - Airways

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Intelsat To Install Wi-Fi On 95 Air Canada Aircraft

Intelsat has been selected by Air Canada to install in-flight connectivity on 95 aircraft, adding to the 240 aircraft already equipped with Intelsat products. The upgrade includes equipping 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with Intelsat’s 2Ku IFC system and upgrading 55 Embraer 175 and Mitsubishi CRJ-900 aircraft, flown by Air Canada’s Jazz regional partner, with Intelsat’s new ESA antenna starting in 2024. The deal is a significant endorsement for Intelsat as it continues to gain global traction with its in-flight connectivity solutions.

Aviation Source News | Related Intelsat wins Air Canada IFC - Advanced Television

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Etihad Airways & Armani Casa Range Receives Good Design Award

The Etihad Airways and Armani Casa Inflight Range, designed by Buzz, was awarded a Gold Award in the Product Design Category of the Good Design Awards, recognizing outstanding design and innovation. The collaboration exhibits an unparalleled level of bespoke creation and a premium travel experience, including a refined dining service, elegant patterned handle cutlery and serving ware, and premium textiles. The award indicates that the project surpasses criteria for design innovation and impact. Additionally, the Armani Casa range for Etihad was awarded the Travel Plus Airline Amenity Award for Best Business Class Bedding in June.

PAX International | Related Etihad and Armani/Casa unveil luxury partnership - Travel Weekly

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British Airways To Allow Most Premium Passengers To Board First

British Airways is testing a new boarding procedure that allows its most premium passengers, invite-only Premier members, and Gold Guest List (GGL) members, to board first by introducing a new Group 0 in its boarding structure. This experiment will be conducted on selected routes from London Heathrow and Gatwick to New York’s JFK and Boston Logan International Airport. Although this move is unlikely to shorten the line for other passengers, it will give priority to the airline’s most premium passengers. The existing priority groups for long-haul flights will remain the same, with minor adjustments for short-haul flights.

Curly Tales | Related British Airways Will Trial Letting Its Most Premium Passengers On The Plane First - Simple Flying

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Greenwashing Cases Against Airlines In Europe & US

Airlines worldwide are facing allegations of “greenwashing” - making misleading claims about their sustainability efforts. KLM faces a civil suit in the Netherlands, while Ryanair, Lufthansa, and Etihad have been criticized by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for misleading environmental claims. The ASA plans to use machine learning tools to scan online advertising for potentially misleading wording. Separately, Delta Air Lines faces a proposed class-action lawsuit in Los Angeles over claims it is “carbon neutral” based on carbon offset purchases. The lawsuit alleges that carbon offset programs don’t work as advertised and that the company misled consumers. Delta denies the allegations.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @red_p51, featuring a Cayman Airways Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft at Tampa International Airport.

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

> Tweet of the Day

ITA’s first A321neo has hit the schedule, and it's a good one! ITA looks to have done an all-aisle access business class and a true 2-2 premium economy cabin. First schedule appearance is December 1 through March, exclusively on FCO-TLV. #PaxEx

Jason Rabinowitz @AirlineFlyer

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

“They (the government) have no idea how their own decree will work. What average airfare? The average airfare in August, the average airfare in November, the average airfare on a Tuesday, the average airfare on a Friday? You ask these simple questions and they don’t know.”

Michae O’Leary, Ryanair CEO
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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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