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October 7, 2020

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Today's Top Stories

Digital Heath Passports Take Flight With United, Cathay Pacific

United Airlines and Cathay Pacific will launch trials of CommonPass, a digital health platform, to track COVID-19 test results for passengers. The effort, developed in cooperation with the World Economic Forum, will allow travelers to register test results in a digital application for verification by airline employees or authorities at the destination. The app accepts results from cooperating labs and can integrate health survey requirements from destination authorities if required. Cathay Pacific will test the service on its Hong Kong–Singapore route and United will test it on its Newark–London Heathrow route.

Airport Technology | Related Government set to clear pilot scheme for airport Covid testing this week — Travel Weekly

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Bluebox and dnata Announce In-Flight Retail Partnership

In-flight entertainment provider Bluebox Aviation Systems and dnata’s catering branch are pooling resources to develop and market joint product and service offerings across Australasia and Asia-Pacific territories. The partnership, announced yesterday, means airlines can generate ancillary revenue by selling meals and other products via Bluebox’s virtual trolley. "In the present climate our customers need solutions that are simple and quick to deploy,” said Duncan Greeney, general manager of Retail at dnata.

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Eastern Airlines Nears Completion of AirFi IFE Deployment

Eastern Airlines will soon offer in-flight entertainment across its entire fleet thanks to AirFi. The wireless IFE provider began deployment of its AirFi VENUS platform over the summer and it will soon be fully fitted on all eight of Eastern Airlines' Boeing 767s aircraft. The IFE platform features a multi-lingual interface, PCI-certified onboard shopping and app-free DRM for streaming video content to passenger devices. It also offers touchless updates and a semi-permanent installation in an overhead bin, accomplished in a single overnight maintenance visit.

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United, Peerspace Team up on Remote Worker Travel Bundles

United Airlines and Peerspace are betting that companies shifting to a more permanent work-from-home arrangement will still need to have some in-person meetings. The pair have teamed up to offer a combination of event planning services and flights, packaged into a monthly payment plan. The packages are fully customizable to include amenities such as Peerspace discounts on food and beverage services, United Club lounge passes, Economy Plus upgrades and Premier status as part of United's MileagePlus program.

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American Airlines Launches New Admirals Club at SFO

The newest American Airlines (AA) Admirals Club airport lounge is now open at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The facility, located by gate B13 in Harvey Milk Terminal 1, is 20% larger than the older club it replaced, which was located in Terminal 2. It also offers sweeping views of the airfield and an option for direct boarding to some AA gates from the lounge. The carrier's lounge offerings are currently limited owing to its COVID-aware service protocols but snacks, beer and wine are all on offer, including the avocado toast bar, which becomes a guacamole bar in the afternoon.

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KLM Brings Robot to Catering Service

KLM Catering Services officially launched a robot to assist in the production of economy-class meals. While currently operating at a fraction of its 30,000 meals/day capacity, the robot will allow for double the rate of production when demand for air travel returns. The robot will make it easier to serve a wider array of products on different types of trays. It will also ease production of special meals. The system will operate from KLM Catering’s primary facility at Schiphol Airport.

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Formia Seeks Sustainability in Amenities

In-flight amenity giant Formia is pushing forward with a more sustainable product lineup created in partnership with GlobeScan, a sustainability consultancy. The move will first take flight with eye masks and socks that will be manufactured using 100% recycled PET fabric rather than virgin polyester. A launch customer will be named in early 2021. The socks and eye masks will carry the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, and Formia is absorbing the additional cost of the material, rendering the move a cost-neutral sustainability benefit for airlines. At 2019 volumes, this should save 1,500 tons of plastic waste from landfills.

Aircraft Interiors International | Related iFlySmart and FORMIA team up for safety — PAX International

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

"Still working on how to be a good plane spotter."

This week, we're featuring photos captured by @notatravelbloggr, which were included in the April/May 2020 issue of #APEXExperienceMag.

> Tweet of the Day

Flying from @ATLairport to @flySEA on @AlaskaAir this evening to visit Alaska Airlines and @Boeing! Every flight these days is a treat! Even wore a shirt to match @AlaskaAir brand! Thanks in advance to amazing flight crew from all of us at @theAPEXassoc / @IFSAOnBoard!

Dr. Joe Leader @joepleader

Association News

How Can You Maximize Your Exposure at FTE APEX Virtual Expo?

APEX Media will be producing the Official Virtual Show Dailies and personalized exhibitor interview videos, as well as offering editorial promotion, sponsored content via their website, daily newsletter, video platforms, social media platforms and other special products. Turnkey introduction/interview videos are also being offered to help FTE APEX Virtual Expo exhibitors populate their virtual trade show booths with engaging content that will help potential customers understand their latest news, featured products and overall proposition. Contact Stephanie Taylor if you're interested in advertising or a video interview for your booth.

> Quote of the Day

"Our facilities will always be used to help the region – and now, with traffic down and large, quiet spaces available, we are finding new ways to serve."

Christina Cassotis, Pittsburgh International Airport
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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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