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October 14, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

ANA to Introduce MFF for A380, A320 Family Aircraft in World First

The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has approved All Nippon Airways’ (ANA) plans to introduce Mixed Fleet Flying (MFF) for Airbus A380 and A320 family aircraft. Thanks to flight deck and aircraft control systems commonality, MFF allows pilots to be certified to operate more than one aircraft type from Airbus’ fly-by-wire product line on a regular and concurrent basis. Stéphane Ginoux, Airbus’ head of North Asia and president at Airbus Japan, said, “For airlines, the increase in revenue hours flown by pilots due to less standby and downtime results in a significant improvement in productivity.”

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United Pauses Vaccine Mandate Plans, Other US Carriers Push On

Following a lawsuit filed by six employees, a federal judge in Texas has put pause to United's plan to place approximately 2,000 employees on leave because they requested an exemption to its COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Judge Mark Pittman said United must keep them on the company payroll while he hears the case. Despite a separate ruling from Texas Governor Greg Abbott prohibiting employers in the state from implementing vaccine mandates, both American and Southwest are moving ahead with their plans, arguing federal regulations have greater legal authority than state rules.

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Spafax Partnership Brings BritBox North America Content to the Skies

A new partnership between Spafax and BritBox North America, the subscription streaming service from BBC Studios and ITV that offers a selection of British entertainment in the US and Canada, will see the introduction of BritBox’s “Mystery Collection” onboard JetBlue flights this month. The collection includes a mix of classic British crime thrillers and dramas and exclusive BritBox content. During COVID-19, BritBox North America's subscriber count increased by 20%, driving the platform to develop and acquire more original shows. Spafax is the first content service provider to bring BritBox content to the in-flight market.

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AA, JetBlue Expand Reciprocal Benefits for Loyalty Program Members

American Airlines’ AAdvantage and JetBlue’s TrueBlue Mosaic loyalty program members will receive reciprocal benefits on both airlines as part of the carriers’ Northeast Alliance (NEA). Benefits include two free checked bags and access to priority check-in, bag drop, security and boarding lanes. More benefits, including complimentary preferred seating and redeemable miles for AAdvantage members booking on JetBlue, will be rolled out in the coming months. An antitrust lawsuit was recently filed to block the NEA over concerns that it would eliminate competition and drive up airfares.

TravelPulse | Related DOJ Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against NEA – CNBC

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125,000 US Boeing Staff Face Vaccine Mandate

Boeing’s US employees, which number almost 125,000, have until December 8 to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or they could face termination. However, the OEM will consider exemptions for those with a disability or sincerely held religious belief. Staff exempt from vaccination will be frequently tested for the virus and required to present a negative test upon request. The move comes in response to President Joe Biden’s executive order regarding vaccine mandates for contractors and subcontractors for the US government.

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Southwest Offers Vouchers to Inconvenienced Passengers

Southwest has begun giving out vouchers for between $100 and $250 to passengers whose flights were abruptly canceled last weekend. The vouchers are in addition to full refunds from the canceled flights. Southwest said an initial wave of delays threw off its entire technical system by preventing planes and staff from being in the correct place for newly rescheduled flights, creating a domino effect of further delays and cancelations. In response, the airline had to reassign and reroute over 70% of its pilots.

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Etihad Enters Retailing Partnership with ATPCO

Etihad Airways has been working with ATPCO to create compelling Universal Product Attributes (UPAs) such as messaging, images and videos to showcase the amenities and ancillaries passengers can expect on a particular Etihad flight. ATPCO will share the UPAs with Etihad’s third-party distribution channels. Martin Drew, SVP Sales & Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group, said, “Working with ATPCO’s talented retailing specialists … means we can accelerate our digital transformation and increase ancillary sales.” The carrier’s UPAs are live on over 40 sales channels including Amadeus, Ctrip and KAYAK.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

“DYNASTY 9-1-5, wind 120 degrees and 15 knots, runway 07R, cleared for takeoff.” Captured by @jack_photos_hkg.

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

> Tweet of the Day

I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, diverting myself in now & then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.🚀

William Shatner @WilliamShatner

Association News

Registration for FTE Global is Now Open

The 15th anniversary edition of FTE Global will take place from December 7-9 at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to address the theme "New Approaches to a New World." Attendees will have access to four conference tracks featuring inspirational speakers from inside and outside the industry, a major exhibition and unique networking events, including an exclusive screening of Top Gun: Maverick. Register now.

> Quote of the Day

“As British programming continues to rise in popularity, we’re excited to partner with Spafax to entertain airline passengers.”

Nada Arnot, BritBox
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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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