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October 1, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

ITA to Lease 31 Airbus Jets from ALC, Purchase 28 from OEM

ITA is to lease 31 new Airbus aircraft from Air Lease Corporation (ALC), including 15 A220s, two A320neos, nine A321neos and five A330-900neos. They will be delivered to ITA between the second half of 2022 and early 2025 from ALC’s orderbook with Airbus. Over the course of its business plan, ITA hopes to lease a total of 56 Airbus aircraft – 13 long-haul jets and 43 short- and medium-haul aircraft. The carrier has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of 28 new planes: 10 A330neos, seven A220 family jets and 11 Airbus A320neo family aircraft.

Business Wire | Related Italy’s new airline cleared for takeoff without Alitalia’s baggage – Politico

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Australia to Reopen Borders for Citizens, Permanent Residents

Australia is planning to reopen its borders for citizens and permanent residents from November. Fully vaccinated travelers will be required to quarantine for seven days but can do so from home, removing the need to limit the number of international arrivals. Unvaccinated travelers or those without approved jabs must still quarantine for 14 days in a government-managed facility. “Australian citizens and permanent residents who cannot be vaccinated – for example if they are under 12 or have a medical condition – will be treated as vaccinated,” said a government statement.

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IIM+ Details Live TV and Live Radio Over IP Solution

IIM+ has launched a Live TV and Live Radio delivery platform over internet protocol (IP) that allows passengers to view or purchase live content through their existing subscription video on demand accounts using patented signalling server technology. “It regulates the broadcast feeds (live data chunks) and ensures that only one feed per channel is required … IIM+ can distribute streaming packets inside the on-board network,” explained Christopher Schmidt, chief content officer at IIM+. The company hopes to announce a launch airline for the Live Radio service by the end of this year.

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FORMIA Creates New Bvlgari Amenity Kits for Emirates

FORMIA has developed the latest Bvlgari amenity kits for Emirates’ premium passengers. First-class amenities include a 30ml bottle from the Bvlgari Le Gemme fragrance collection – “Rubinia” for females and “Tygar” for males. In business class, female travelers receive an “Omnia Crystalline” fragrance and males receive “Aqva Pour Homme.” Each kit also includes a Bvlgari lip balm, body lotion and face cream matching their respective fragrances, as well as a toothbrush, comb and mirror made of wheat straw and a dental kit wrapped in rice paper.

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Delta, JetBlue Sign Fuel Offtake Agreements

Delta Air Lines has signed a ten-year offtake agreement with Aemetis that will see the latter deliver 250 million gallons of blended fuel containing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to the carrier. The SAF will be produced by Aemetis’ plant, which is currently under development in California, and is expected to be available from 2024. JetBlue has doubled an offtake agreement with SG Preston announced in 2016, which will allow it to convert 30% of its fuel buy across three New York Airports to SAF. SG Preston is set to deliver 670 million gallons of blended SAF to JetBlue over 10 years starting from 2023.

Globe Newswire | Related JetBlue Accelerates Transition to SAF With Plans for Largest-Ever Supply of SAF in New York Airports for a Commercial Airline – JetBlue

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CesiumAstro Successfully Launches First Two Satellites

CesiumAstro has launched its first two satellites as part of Cesium Mission 1. Now, the company will conduct operations to complete direct ground-to-spacecraft communications over its telemetry and control link. After this, it will offer demonstration partnership opportunities to commercial and government organisations interested in utilizing its communications payloads. Shey Sabripour, CesiumAstro’s founder and CEO, said, “CesiumAstro is one step closer to transforming in-orbit and aircraft connectivity.”

Inflight Online | Related CesiumAstro plots in-house satellite production ramp-up after debut launch – Space News

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PCAA Re-Allows In-Flight Service on Domestic Flights

Following a drop in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has lifted a ban on serving food and beverages during domestic flights. The ban was introduced in November 2020 and expanded in March 2021 to include the serving of water which, from then on, could only be done in disposable plastic bottles. Passengers will still be required to wear masks when not eating and drinking. From today, only vaccinated people over 18 years old will be allowed to fly, and showing a vaccination certificate is mandatory.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A Virgin Australia Boeing 737 at Gold Coast Airport. Captured by @bcm_images.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Watch our @Airbus A380 get a special makeover as it puts on our new @Expo2020Dubai livery, inviting everyone to be part of the magic at the world’s greatest show.

Emirates Airline @emirates

Association News

Register for APEX/IFSA EXPO 2021 Today

Following the Biden Administration’s announcement that the US will lift its travel ban on visitors from the UK, India, China, Brazil and most of Europe in early November, APEX/IFSA EXPO 2021 will take place from November 30 to December 2. “APEX and IFSA are innovative and collaborative communities, and ‎connecting in-person is long overdue,” said APEX/IFSA Executive Director, Lauren Costello. Register to attend.

> Quote of the Day

“In our push, I emailed The White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Jeff Zients almost daily.”

Dr. Joe Leader, IFSA/APEX
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Until next week

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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