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October 15, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Former Boeing Pilot Faces Criminal Charges Over 737 MAX

Mark Forkner, a former Boeing pilot, has been indicted for providing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with false and incomplete information about the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which led to two major accidents that killed 346 people. According to prosecutors, Forkner's deception meant the system was not mentioned in pilot manuals or training materials. He faces two counts of fraud involving aircraft parts in interstate commerce and four counts of wire fraud.

Voice of America | Related Boeing uncovers another defect on 787 Dreamliner – Tech Xplore

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40% of TSA Employees Currently Unvaccinated

Despite the November 22 deadline by which civilian federal government workers need to be vaccinated against COVID-19, US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Executive David Pekoske said 40% of its workforce is yet to receive their jabs. “We are building contingency plans for if we do have some staffing shortages as a result of this, but I hope to avoid that,” he continued. Pekoske has been holding town hall meetings to encourage more employees to get vaccinated. The deadline to receive the Moderna vaccine passed on October 11.

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Ava Airways Opts for Moment Wireless IFE

Ava Airways has selected Moment to provide its Flymingo Box wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) solution onboard its fleet of Airbus A320s, which will operate flights across the Caribbean from 2022. Moment’s Flymingo Box is stored in an overhead bin and allows over 100 passengers to watch IFE content simultaneously. The solution also provides real-time travel information and an e-commerce platform. Furthermore, Moment’s contract with Ava Airways includes content sourcing and licensing for the airline's A320 and A330 aircraft.

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Universal Hydrogen Secures $62m More Funding

Universal Hydrogen announced a funding round yield of $62 million today. The company, which aims to decarbonize aviation through the adoption of hydrogen as a universal fuel, has raised $85 million in capital to date. This will enable Universal Hydrogen to conduct the first test flight of its hydrogen fuel cell powertrain on a regional passenger aircraft in 2022. The hydrogen will be supplied using the company’s modular fuel capsules that enable its delivery to the aircraft using existing infrastructure. It is aiming to introduce its retrofit conversion kit for select aircraft types into service in 2025.

Business Wire | Related Hydrogen planes, electric propulsion, and new regulations — CNBC

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Virgin Galactic Delays Commercial Space Flights to 2022

On Thursday, Virgin Galactic announced the delay of its commercial space tourism service to the end of 2022, having initially planned to launch passenger flights during the third quarter of next year. Starting this month, the company will begin an enhancement program to improve the vehicle performance and flight-rate capability of VMS Eve and VMS Unity before completing their vehicle testing program, which includes a planned research test flight with the Italian Air Force. This flight, Unity 23, won’t take off until mid-2022 at the earliest.

Virgin Galactic | Related FAA clears Virgin Galactic to start flying again – Space.com

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Wizz Air Introduces First A321neo with SL7310 Seats

The first Wizz Air Airbus A321neo featuring Recaro Aircraft Seating’s SL3710 economy-class seats has entered into service. “Not only are these seats comfortable and durable, but due to their lightweight design they support Wizz Air’s goal to reduce its emissions by 25% within the decade,” said Michael Delehant, Wizz Air’s EVP and Group COO. The SL3710 weighs nine kilograms and features a pre-recline to accommodate passengers of varying heights. The carrier will receive a total of 146 SL3710 shipsets between now and 2027.

Recaro Aircraft Seating | Related Wizz Air to trim Recaro seats in ELeather – Aircraft Interiors International

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Hudson Opens First Restaurant at DFW

Hudson has opened its first full-service bar and restaurant, Plum Market, at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The 80-seat facility offers table service, self-checkout grab and go and a full-service bar within the American Airlines gate hold-room. The menu consists of contemporary global dishes using natural, organic and locally grown ingredients. The décor is Texas-inspired and the bar offers drinks from local establishments such as Austin Eastciders, Lakewood Brewing Company and Fall Creek Vineyards.

Moodie Davitt Report | Related Soy latte and an interview? Desperate for workers, DFW Starbucks hosting drive-through job fair – Dallas Morning News

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A Japan Airlines Boeing 787-8 through the trees. Captured by @sugarkrone.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Already an all #A350-900 operator with four aircraft, @flyfrenchbee will welcome the A350-1000 in the coming weeks following its first flight today from Toulouse.

Airbus @Airbus

Association News

We're Working Hard to Keep You Safe at APEX/IFSA EXPO!

At APEX/IFSA EXPO this year, all attendees, staff and vendors must be fully vaccinated or provide a ‎negative COVID-19 test result to attend the event. Furthermore, photographic ID will be required ‎when delegates collect their badges. To be considered fully vaccinated, attendees must have received ‎their final dose by 16 November, 2021. Find out more about the health and safety precautions being taken at the 2021 APEX/IFSA EXPO.

> Quote of the Day

“We’re thrilled to be the first content service provider to bring the incredible collection of BritBox dramas and mysteries to the in-flight market.”

Jason Haney, Spafax
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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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