Air Canada Unveils Upgraded A321 Aircraft

Air Canada has introduced its revamped A321 aircraft, showcasing a modern cabin interior, enhanced tech features, and reduced environmental impact. Notable features include exterior cameras on a narrow-body aircraft for real-time flight views, Bluetooth-enabled seatback monitors, live TV, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Seats are standardized and designed for optimized comfort and storage. The updated design also features larger overhead bins and LED mood lighting. The redesign reduces the A321’s weight, leading to significant fuel savings and a yearly reduction of 6,256 tCO2 in greenhouse gas emissions.

Business Traveller | Related Air Canada Unveils First Upgraded Airbus A321 with an All New Interior – Breaking Travel News

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Saudia Technic Upgrades First Suites Of 777 Fleet

Saudia Technic, part of the Saudia Group, is enhancing the First Suites of its Boeing 777 fleet, designated for long-haul direct flights. The upgrade process, led by expert Saudi engineers, began with aircraft HZ-AK37 and will expand to nine more aircraft. Collaborating with Seat Air Systems, they set up an advanced workshop at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The upgrades focus on passenger comfort, including advanced door mechanisms, which also reduce aircraft weight and operational costs. The project has earned international recognition, emphasizing Saudia’s dedication to quality and passenger satisfaction.

Aviation Source News | Related Saudia Technic Successfully Upgrades First Suites In Boeing B777 – eTurbo News

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Southwest Airlines’ Transformative Approach To Airport Facilities

Steve Sisneros, VP Airport Affairs at Southwest Airlines, discussed the airline’s strategies for future growth in key markets and the design of next-generation airport facilities at a recent FTE Global event. Southwest is collaborating with Los Angeles World Airports to design and construct Concourse 0, a $2 billion extension to Terminal 1 at LAX. This project aims to enhance the customer experience. Southwest will further share insights at the FTE APEX Asia Expo in Singapore, highlighting tech advancements like AI to improve operational efficiency and customer service.

Future Travel Experience | Related Southwest Airlines Teams With Amazon on Technological Overhaul – TravelPulse

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Carlisle Interconnect Technologies Sees Big Surge In IFEC Activity

Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CarlisleIT), a major integrator of inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) systems, predicts a return to pre-Covid work volumes next year, particularly as airlines shift to next-gen antenna systems. The company expects over 1,000 IFC installations annually. Jeff Behlendorf, Company Director, emphasized that while CarlisleIT does extensive STC work, it often acts behind the scenes. New antennas from ThinKom, Intelsat, and Panasonic are expected soon. Despite a lull during the pandemic, there’s now a surge in IFEC activity and a resurgence in seatback IFE, with airlines reversing decisions to remove screens. CarlisleIT is scaling up operations in response to growing demands.

Runway Girl Network | Related Safran sits pretty as Airbus breaks vertical integration of IFC – Runway Girl Network 

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Qantas Unlocks Thousands Of Reward Seats, With A Catch

Qantas is releasing more Classic Reward seats and offering a half-price sale on Points Plus Pay fares. The airline will add 6,000 seats, requiring fewer Qantas Points, for the European Summer 2024, available on all Qantas flights to London and Rome from June-August 2024. This includes A380 and Boeing 787 flights. Additionally, 35,000 business and economy seats are released as classic rewards across the Qantas international network. For a limited time, Qantas will also halve points needed for first, business, and premium economy class booked through Points Plus Pay.

Executive Traveller | Related British Airways moves to revenue-based Avios earning – Executive Traveller

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Dublin Airport Opens “Checkout-Free” Convenience Store

Dublin Airport has introduced a checkout-free concept store, “Dublin Town To Go Store”, in Terminal 1’s arrivals area. The store, equipped with AI technology from Zippin, enables visitors to scan their payment card upon entry. Purchases are detected and charged through camera technology and weight-sensor-enabled shelves as customers exit. The store offers various goods including food and toiletries. Vincent Harrison, an official at Dublin Airport, highlighted the store’s convenience for passengers. This autonomous shopping concept mirrors the Amazon Go brand, seen in multiple cities globally.

Business Traveller | Related Fort Worth Airport travel store drives convenience with checkout-free shopping – Retail Customer Experience

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European Union Aviation Safety Agency Agreement To Improve Passenger Health

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have signed an MoU to safeguard the health and safety of EU air travelers. The agreement aims for a unified, evidence-backed response to health threats and outbreaks. Collaboration will involve sharing information, experiences, and practices, including ECDC’s weekly disease threat report and potential risk assessments. Both organizations will also work together on the EU’s digital Passenger Locator Form platform and offer mutual technical advice and support.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Pune Airport Installs Life-Saving AEDs For Cardiac Emergencies – Free Press Journal

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> Tweet of the Day

Overhead Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre), Chihuahua, one of Mexico natural wonder @AirCanada 997 MEXYVR #avgeek #avgeeks #paxex

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Register for FTE APEX Asia Expo – Preparing for Tomorrow’s World

FTE APEX Asia Expo, 8-9 November 2023, at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore, is the largest free-to-attend passenger experience and business performance expo for the air transport industry. It will provide a unique platform for the industry's most innovative suppliers from across Asia and further afield to come together to showcase their latest products, services and solutions designed to help airlines improve end-to-end customer experiences, reduce costs, increase revenues, and enhance sustainability and operational efficiency. The networking and business development opportunities are immense, and our AI matchmaking app, powered by Swapcard, provides incredible access to the most progressive companies in the industry, with whom you can connect to help redefine your organization’s passenger experience and business performance strategies. Learn more and register.