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October 14, 2020

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Today's Top Stories

EU Allowed to Impose Tariffs on Boeing Aircraft

The World Trade Organization (WTO) will allow the European Union to impose up to $4 billion worth of tariffs on American goods and services, including Boeing aircraft sold there. WTO arbitrators are penalizing the United States for awarding Boeing at least $5 billion in subsidies, via tax breaks in Washington state, that harmed Airbus’ market share and were prohibited under international trade rules. Both Boeing and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer believe the ruling is unauthorized because the tax breaks have since been repealed; Lighthizer added that negotiations with the EU on a resolution to the dispute are ongoing.

Travel Weekly | Related WTO to authorise tariffs on $4 billion of US exports to the European Union in the Boeing Subsidies Case — Airbus

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David Helfgott Appointed SmartSky Networks’ CEO

David Helfgott is to succeed Haynes Griffin as CEO at SmartSky Networks, with Griffin set to remain as executive chairman. Helfgott was most recently president and CEO at Phasor. SmartSky said the change reflects its “upcoming transition from the development and deployment stage to an operational aviation broadband communications services and products company.” Helfgott commented on SmartSky’s resilience in the face of COVID-19, with it “having added more than 40 patents since January 2020, successfully defended its IP from a challenge brought by an industry incumbent, closed on funding of more than $50 million in additional equity and debt, and overhauled its radio technology supply chain.”

Smartsky Networks | Related US Patent Office denies Gogo challenge to key SmartSky patent — Runway Girl Network

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Delta Reports $5.4B Q3 Loss; China Eastern and ANA Receive Billions in Funding

Delta Air Lines reported a $5.4-billion loss for the quarter that ended September 30, motivating it to continue conserving cash through loss-cutting measures such as retiring 400 aircraft by 2025 and delaying new deliveries. Delta CEO Ed Bastian felt encouraged by a progressive improvement in revenues and daily cash burn; the airline hopes to become cash positive by next spring. Meanwhile, four new state-owned investors are injecting $4.6 billion into China Eastern Airlines to see it through the COVID-19 pandemic and diversify ownership structure. All Nippon Airways will also receive loans totalling $3.8 billion from five lenders.

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Flame Distribution’s Latest Catalog Features Cute Animal Content

With pandemic pet adoption rates continuing to soar and a recent study from the University of Leeds and Tourism Western Australia finding that watching cute animal videos online might actually be good for your health, adorable animals are having a moment. Looking to take this trend to new heights, Flame Distribution is offering animal-centric titles including Iberia’s Woodlands, Dogsville and Quoll Farm. “We will continue to source inspiring content that will provide viewers with a form of escapism and well-needed uplift,” said Kirsten Cargill, Flame Distribution’s VP of Content Sales.

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Boingo Launches Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity at GRU

Boingo Wireless deployed what it calls the first-known airport-wide Wi-Fi 6 network at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport. The company designed, installed and manages the converged, neutral host network which meets key 5G requirements through increased bandwidth and lower latency. “Passengers in GRU Airport can enjoy up to four hours of free Wi-Fi with fast speeds. It is a unique offering in the region,” said Gustavo Figueiredo, GRU Airport's CEO.

Businesswire | Related Boingo Deploys Wi-Fi 6 at John Wayne Airport — Boingo

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Focus Dynamics Purchases Stake in Halal In-Flight Catering Company

Focus Dynamics Group has acquired a 12.19% stake in Brahims Holdings, an in-flight catering company with the world’s largest halal kitchen based at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Focus Dynamics’ executive director, Benson Tay Ben Seng, said the relationship with Brahims will pave the way for its products to become part of an international trading network via airlines and in-flight catering services. “With collaborative access to a large central kitchen, reliable and proven track record and a complete logistics network, fusing modern concepts and enhancing user experience becomes a matter of technology adoption, which is what Focus Dynamics is all about,” he added.

Inflight-Online | Related Lufthansa Sells part of LSG Catering Unit to Swiss-based gategroup — Aviation Pros

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Qatar Launches Business-Class Vegan Menu

Qatar Airways’ business-class passengers departing from Doha’s Hamad International Airport can now choose from a range of à la carte vegan meals in flight. Options include smoked moutabel, spiral courgettes and arrabbiata sauce; tofu and spinach tortellini; Asian barbecue tofu, noodles, scallions and shiitake; fried tofu with vegetable tajine; cauliflower couscous and kalamata bruschetta; and a chickpea flour omelette. The service is also available on select flights into Doha. Economy-class passengers can preorder vegan meals ahead of their flights.

Business Traveller | Related Pork Substitute Takes Flight Aboard Cathay Pacific — APEX Media

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Which aircraft is the star of this shot – the Jetstar Airways Airbus A320 or the Thai Airways Boeing 747 in the background? Captured at Sydney Airport by @bigthingsthatfly (via Instagram).

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

> Tweet of the Day

Emirates is proud to air on ice a short film created by ‘It’s a Penalty’ in collaboration with actor Liam Neeson, helping to shine a spotlight on the issue of human trafficking. @its_apenalty

Emirates Airline @emirates

Association News

APEX EXPO Taking Place October 18-21, 2021

Save the date: the next edition of APEX EXPO will take place from October 18 to 21, 2021, in Long Beach, California. Join airline CEOs, executives and decision makers as they share unique insights, and meet with more than 300 exhibitors demonstrating the latest innovation and technology that shapes the future of the end-to-end passenger experience. Interested in exhibiting at APEX EXPO? Contact APEX’s director of Sales Desiray Young.

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

"In the coming years, our budgets will be different from what we have known to date and we will have to be very creative to maintain a proper level of service.”

Tal Kalderon, El Al Israel Airlines
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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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