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October 18, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Italy Launches New National Airline, ITA Airways

Italy’s ITA Airways was launched on Friday just one day after Alitalia, the country’s legacy airline, ceased operations. It plans to only work with Italian companies by creating uniforms with top Italian designers, designing its cabin interiors and lounges with Italian firms and using Italian cars and minibuses for ground transport. The airline is currently in talks regarding uniforms, which will be sky blue with the Italian flag’s tricolor stripes, similar to its newly unveiled livery. In the meantime, it will continue using Alitalia’s uniforms and flying with Alitalia's livery. ITA Airways will repaint its aircraft fleet in the next few months.

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US, Australia Confirm Border Reopening Plans

The US will reopen its borders to vaccinated travelers from 33 countries on November 8 providing they have received a negative COVID-19 test result in the 72 hours before departure. Virgin Atlantic’s CEO, Shai Weiss, said the news means “the UK will now be able to strengthen ties with [its] most important economic partner, the US, boosting trade and tourism.” Australia has confirmed that from November 1, Sydney Airport will become a quarantine-free gateway for vaccinated Australians, permanent residents, citizens and their families, who can leave and return as they wish.

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Austrian Expands Premium Economy Cabin on Boeing 767s

Austrian Airlines has announced the expansion of its premium economy-class cabin from 18 to 30 seats. The ZIM seats, which were first introduced in 2018, feature 38-inches of legroom, a footrest, 12-inch seatback screen and individual power outlets and USB ports. The cabin expansion will only take place on three Boeing 767s, as the carrier is planning to retire the other half of the fleet. The work will begin during the first quarter of next year and is set to be completed by summer 2022.

Business Traveller | Related Delta Turns to Premium Economy as Industry Rebounds – Simple Flying

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Panasonic to Provide IFEC for Air Belgium’s A330s

Panasonic Avionics is providing in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) services for Air Belgium’s new Airbus A330neos. The two aircraft of the type, one of which has already been delivered, are equipped with HD seatback monitors complete with touchscreen displays, personalized interfaces and accompanying handsets. The system also includes Arc, Panasonic Avionics’ 3D in-flight moving map platform. Ken Sain, Panasonic Avionics’ CEO, said, “Our IFEC solutions will help Air Belgium strengthen their long-haul operations and drive customer satisfaction as they look to grow in the years ahead.”

Panasonic Avionics | Related Air Belgium takes delivery of its first A330neo – Airbus

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Aegean Airlines Becomes Majority Stakeholder in Animawings

Aegean Airlines has increased its stake in Animawings, a Romanian leisure airline founded last July by Memento Group, from 25% to 51%. This saw Aegean’s investment in the carrier rise from approximately $477,000 to $1.5 million. Animawings currently operates one Airbus A320 on lease from Aegean, but by next summer is hoping to operate three aircraft from Aegean’s fleet. Aegean will also oversee operational activities at Animawings. Dimitris Gerogiannis, Aegean’s CEO, said, “Strong and long-lasting partnerships are part of our DNA and we consider them a precondition for the new post-pandemic era.”

Simple Flying | Related Aegean maintains Croatia Airlines interest – EX-YU Aviation News

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TAV Operation Services Partners with LoungePair

A new agreement will allow LoungePair app users to purchase access to 31 TAV Operation Services lounges, including those under its Primeclass brand. The app lets users tell lounges how much they are willing to pay for entry, which the former can accept or refuse. Sometimes, LoungePair will tell users what to bid for guaranteed access. TAV Operation Services’ CMO, Aylin Alpay, said: “We are glad to join forces with LoungePair to ... help global travelers make the most out of their airport journey at a lower price point than has been previously possible.” LoungePair is available at 250 lounges worldwide.

Moodie Davitt Report | Related Airport Lounges: Here are 5 of the Best Ways To Get Access – LoungePair

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Luxair Promotes Luxembourg with Beer Partnership

Luxair has partnered with Luxembourg for Tourism on a beer that will be distributed in-flight to promote the country’s beauty. Created by Simon Brewery, the exclusive drink will feature three different designs on 33cl cans highlighting the most beautiful places in Luxembourg with descriptions and an invitation to visit the featured location. Gilles Feith, CEO at Luxair, stated that the airline is “happy to be able, once again, to play its role as Luxembourg’s ambassador” and added, “other initiatives in this direction are also being prepared on our side.”

Corporate News | Related Travel Brands Are Changing Their Marketing Strategies – The Trade Desk

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

NEO incoming at Brussels Airport-Zaventem. Captured by @brecht_spotter.

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

> Tweet of the Day

A special livery with Royal Jordanian has been unveiled today, this will feature on their Boeing 787! What are your thoughts on this? >>>

Dan @DjsAviation

Association News

Job Vacancy: Spafax is Looking for an SVP Technical Services at The Hub

Spafax is recruiting for an SVP Technical Services based at The Hub, its content post-production facility in California. The SVP Technical Services will be required to lead the management team, people and performance at The Hub. The role includes managing the facility's profitability and processes, liaising with clients and developing The Hub's business to serve more content companies and airlines. The candidate will also help to lead the implementation of two major transformation projects and any future technical innovations at the Hub. To apply, please send your resume to this email address.

> Quote of the Day

“British programming has long-held the affection of audiences around the world, and BritBox’s exclusive British content makes our partnership with them unique.”

Jason Haney, Spafax
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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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