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1-Oct-2020

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Today's Top Stories

American and United Furlough Total of 32K Employees

US airlines began the process of furloughing more than 30,000 employees on Thursday morning. The move comes as the Payroll Support Program, a component of the CARES Act, expired and federal funding for those staff roles disappeared. American Airlines (19,000) and United Airlines (13,000) saw the most employees affected, while smaller airlines were also impacted. Assuming no further action from Congress, the impact is expected to spread, as suppliers are also forced to scale back owing to reduced demand and revenues.

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[PHOTOS] STELIA Unveils Business-Class OPERA Seat

STELIA's business-class OPERA seat has been designed to offer maximum passenger comfort on narrow-body flights. Created for the Airbus A321XLR in a reverse herringbone layout angled at 44 degrees, the standard OPERA module features a 38-inch seat pitch and enables a 78.5-inch lie-flat bed. It includes a sliding door for privacy, a 20-inch fixed monitor for an immersive entertainment experience and plenty of stowage space. STELIA estimates that once the first few shipsets are complete, it should be able to work on orders with a 12-month lead-time.

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Pre-Departure COVID-19 Testing High on IATA's Agenda, Director General Says

Systematic testing for COVID-19 prior to flying needs to become standard practice in order for the aviation industry to recover, according to IATA's director general, Alexandre de Juniac. "We are asking governments to remove traffic restrictions and quarantines and replace these measures with systematic testing," he said during the Global Sustainable Aviation Forum yesterday. Lufthansa, United, JetBlue, American and Alaska are among the airlines that have announced they are currently offering pre-departure COVID-19 testing, or will soon.

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Collins Aerospace Marks Iridium Certus Milestone

The Iridium Certus LEO satellite network promises truly global connectivity with significantly improved transmission speeds relative to the prior generation of service. Collins Aerospace is working to bring that capacity to the aerospace market, hitting a milestone with the first connection of an active low-gain antenna (ALGA) to the constellation. The ALGA will eventually be used on aircraft to complete the Certus link, enabling a variety of flight deck communications services. Safety services, weather, electronic flight bags and other systems will benefit from the improved performance once the system takes flight.

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Alaska Airlines Adds COVID Testing; Etihad to Include Testing in All Fares

Alaska Airlines is adding a testing option for passengers headed to Hawaii as of October 12. The Seattle-based carrier is the latest US airline to offer pre-departure testing as an option that passengers can purchase. As of October 15, passengers arriving in Hawaii with a negative PCR test need not quarantine. Passengers buying new tickets departing Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways no longer need to pay for COVID-19 testing. The carrier announced it will include the price of testing in all fares from today through the end of the year. Testing will happen in labs around the country, up to 96 hours prior to departure. The PCR tests typically run between $50 and $100.

Alaska Airlines | Related Etihad to include Covid-19 test in ticket price for flights from Abu Dhabi - The National

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Hamad International Airport Goes Touchless on Kiosks

A new infrared system can detect fingers hovering over the screen on kiosks at Doha's Hamad International Airport, allowing users to make selections without physical contact. The airport hopes to "ensure passenger comfort and peace of mind with this intuitive user experience, allowing a range of inputs and gestures" according to Suhail Kadri, senior vice-president, Technology & Innovation. The kiosks also feature the new SITA Remote Control App option, with a QR code scan giving users control over the kiosk via a mobile device.

Doha Hamad Airport | Related Collins Aerospace Adds QR Code Functionality to Common-Use Airport Kiosks - APEX Media

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SWISS CEO to Step Down at End of 2020

Swiss International Air Lines is on the hunt for a new CEO. Thomas KlÃ¼hr is to leave SWISS at the end of 2020 after some five years at the company and more than 30 years within Lufthansa Group. KlÃ¼hr previously planned to leave in March 2020 but remained in the role to help the company navigate the uncertainty of the COVID-19 outbreak. KlÃ¼hr will sit on the Board of the newly formed Swiss Aviation Foundation, which will oversee the development of the Zurich hub as part of Switzerland's agreement to provide emergency funding to the airline.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

The illustration Bárbara Malagoli provided for "Down to the Route," an article about satellites that allow airlines to steer connectivity only where they need it, really soars!

This week, we're featuring @bmalagoli's stunning creations for #APEXExperienceMag.

> Tweet of the Day

This #BreastCancerAwareness month, we're asking everyone to #CheckTheEngine to understand the warning signs and detect cancer in its early stages, because we are in this fight together. Can you spot what's wrong with the aircraft engine?

Etihad Airways @etihad

Association News

It's Nearly Time For the APEX Weekly Wrap

Don't miss the next episode of the APEX Weekly Wrap, coming tomorrow. Hosts Maryann Simson and Seth Miller will be chatting to Carmen Krause-BÃ¶sterling, project manager at the Crystal Cabin Award Association, about how this year's finalists are still enjoying the prestige that comes with finalist status, despite the lack of an in-person awards ceremony. Subscribe to the APEX YouTube channel or watch previous episodes.

Have An Opinion on a Hot-Button Aviation Topic? Submit an Op-Ed!

APEX Media is accepting op-eds as part of a new series called Expert Opinions aimed at spotlighting informed views on current industry trends. If you would like to participate, email editor@apex.aero with your idea.

> Quote of the Day

"We wanted to provide a personalized and engaging 'Amazon-like' offer with seamless navigation."

Jorge Sierra, LATAM
Read the article

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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