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October 19, 2020

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Today's Top Stories

COMAC Selects Expliseat for ARJ21 Economy Seats

An ultra-lightweight seat designed by Paris-based manufacturer Expliseat has been selected as the basis for a new family of economy-class seats on the ARJ21, the 78-to-90 seat regional airliner manufactured by Chinese state-owned aerospace company COMAC. The family of seats will be developed using Expliseat’s patented modular TiSeat E2 platform, which uses a combination of carbon fiber composite and titanium to produce cabin seating which, says the manufacturer, is 40% lighter than that of its competitors.

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Emirates Brings Back In-Flight Bar, Dining Experiences

The in-flight bar and shower are returning on Emirates flights, part of a service revamp set to fly beginning November 1. The carrier will resume its multi-course meal service across all cabins, including the wine selections. On its Airbus A380s, Emirates will staff the bar area for take-away service; the space will be restricted for social distancing purposes. It has also updated its app to allow passengers to review menus digitally rather than on printed stock, and has resumed updates to its in-flight entertainment content. This month, 25 new Hollywood movies and nearly 200 hours of TV have been added.

Arabian Aerospace | Related Etihad Furnishes The Residence with Exclusive DUXIANA Products — APEX Media

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Travel Bubbles on the Rise

Australia and New Zealand opened a trans-Tasman travel bubble, welcoming the first international passengers to Sydney since March that did not require an immediate quarantine. Up to 16 weekly flights will cross the Tasman Sea, with four airlines participating today. Arrivals into New Zealand will still require quarantine, however, as the country maintains its aggressive health controls. Hong Kong and Singapore are pushing towards a similar bubble, hoping to restore travel opportunities within weeks, though formal details remain unclear. Search interest and fares surged after the news of a potential relaxation of rules.

South China Morning Post | Related Australia reopens borders to New Zealand travellers — Breaking Travel News

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FAA Streamlines Space Launch Licensing Process

The FAA is aiming to reduce barriers to space exploration and development with a revised set of rules that it hopes will pave the way for a greater diversity of commercial space services. A single license will support multiple launches from multiple sites, replacing older processes. The new rules are also descriptive, rather than prescriptive, allowing any company that complies with performance standards to be licensed rather than focusing on specific technologies or designs. The first three documents related to this transition were issued last week. Another 24 are expected within the coming year.

Aviation Week | Related LSG Group Prepares Space Food for Second Time — APEX Media

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DFW Adds Contactless Commerce for Retail Shops

Ordering meals via a smartphone is a growing segment of the travel world and Grab, a leading technology provider in that space, is working to expand beyond just food. The company announced a partnership with 3Sixty Duty Free at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to offer a wide variety of retail products through the digital platform. Passengers place an order via the app and then collect it at the shop or have it delivered to the gate prior to departure. The same technology is also moving into airport lounges and other parts of the travel ribbon.

TR Business | Related Plaza Premium Lounge opens first U.S. lounge at DFW Airport after COVID-19 delay — Biz Journals

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Condor Airlines Launches SkyTab Crew Tablets

Condor Airlines' flight attendants will now manage in-flight retail sales and other tasks via the SkyTab tablet from Retail InMotion. The devices support contactless payment for passengers and optimize the in-flight sales experience. Inventory is managed in real time on the aircraft, for example, and relayed to suppliers across the logistics chain without a need for extensive paperwork by cabin crew. Receipts are delivered digitally where desired. Christian Schmitt, chief operations officer, Condor, said, “This will make the onboard experience even more personal for our guests, which supports our service promise as Germany’s most popular leisure airline.”

TR Business | Related Etihad Partners With Retail inMotion to Further Buy-on-Board Options — APEX Media

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Singapore Airlines Pushes Non-Airline Revenue With Kris+ App

Singapore Airlines is the latest carrier to push into the lifestyle app market on the ground. The company announced an update to its KrisPay app, the blockchain-powered loyalty digital wallet offering. The new version, called Kris+, includes partnerships with 150 companies across 650 locations in Singapore, delivering customized deals and bonuses for program members. Further growth is planned, including expansion with international partners in the future.

Future Travel Experience | Related Kris+ — KrisPay

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Last year, British Airways celebrated its 100th birthday with retro liveries.

This week, we're featuring throwbacks from past issues of #APEXExperienceMag. Read the latest issue here.

> Tweet of the Day

We’ve got a new @JetBlue aircraft to show off! ✈️ Introducing our @Airbus A220-300 and “Hops” tail design! 📸 @HelloJetBlue @AirbusInTheUS #avgeek

Philip Stewart @PhilipStewartNY

Association News

What's Included With FTE APEX Virtual Expo Premium Passes?

Why go Premium at Virtual Expo? In addition to gaining access to the virtual conference, Premium Pass holders can explore the OnDemand Speaker Zone, engage in text, voice or video chat in the networking lounge, join the FTE Virtual Networking Reception and view all educational content for 30 days. Airlines and airports can take advantage of free Premium Passes! Claim yours today and we'll see you online from December 8-9.

> Quote of the Day

“The revenue generation opportunity from digital platforms in flight are still massively untapped."

Job Heimerikx, AirFi
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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