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October 8, 2020

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Today's Top Stories

AIX/WTCE Postponed Until September 2021

With border openings and industry recovery still uncertain, Aircraft Interiors Expo and World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo, which typically take place in April, will return to Hamburg from August 31 to September 2, 2021. The co-located events were cancelled this year due to COVID-19. Polly Magraw, exhibition director, said, “It is clear that the industry needs to meet in person later in 2021. Our priority is to deliver an engaging and COVID-secure face-to-face event in September that gives our exhibitors and visitors the additional time to adapt and continue on the path to recovery.”

Aircraft Interiors Expo | Related Passenger Experience Week 2020, Including AIX, Canceled Due to COVID-19 — APEX Media

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Cross-Industry Partnerships Will Speed Up Recovery of Aviation Industry, Says RedCabin CEO

According to Monica Wick, CEO of aviation summit series RedCabin, a silver lining of COVID-19 has been the aviation industry’s ability to collaborate and create innovative new products, including radical seating concepts and hygiene kits. She also highlights the importance of learning from other industries – the medical industry’s use of UV light to disinfect surfaces, for example. “While things may never be the same, this is an opportunity for things to be better – for air travel to be reborn,” she says. This op-ed is part of APEX Media’s Expert Opinion series.

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ZIPAIR Selects Panasonic Avionics for In-Flight Connectivity

When ZIPAIR finally starts carrying passengers, it will have a familiar option for in-flight connectivity on board. The company announced its selection of Panasonic Avionics to deliver Wi-Fi service on the airline’s 787-8 fleet. The first passenger flights are slated for next week between Tokyo and Seoul. Bangkok and Honolulu are also planned destinations. The IFC selection leverages the long-term relationship between Panasonic and Japan Airlines, ZIPAIR’s parent company.

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Boom Supersonic Rolls Out XB-1 Demonstrator

Supersonic commercial passenger service is one step closer to fruition this week as Boom Supersonic held a rollout ceremony for its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft. The XB-1 will help test various design elements and technologies that are planned for the Overture model, which will eventually carry passengers. The single-seat XB-1 is expected to begin test flights in 2021. Overture’s first flight is planned for 2025, with the 44-passenger plane entering service by the end of the decade.

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Wizz Air Selects ELeather for 31K New Recaro Seats

Wizz Air’s new fleet of 146 A321neo aircraft will feature ELeather covers on the Recaro SL3710 seats. John Kennedy, CEO of ELeather, celebrated the news, noting the airline’s focus on environmental considerations. “We’ve always been proud to partner with brands that have strong environmental agendas and Wizz Air is a great example of an airline that takes a more holistic approach when selecting sustainable suppliers,” he said. The first of these aircraft will be delivered in 2021. The companies expect more than 31,000 seats to carry the new covers.

Inflight Online | Related AIX expo 2020 preview: New stand, new product, new trend collection… — ELeather

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Shell Expands SAF Sources for Increased Distribution Capacity

Shell will increase its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) capacity thanks to a new deal signed with Red Rock. The Red Rock biorefinery in Lakeview, Oregon, which is scheduled to be completed early next year, will produce a SAF specifically for the aviation market, to be blended with traditional sources in existing infrastructure. Once operational, the facility will be the world’s first commercial-scale plant to utilize waste woody biomass from forests at risk of wildfire to create SAF and cellulosic renewable diesel.

Aviationpros | Related Neste and Shell to increase sustainable aviation fuel supply — Hydrocarbons Technology

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Qatar Airways Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month With Special Amenity Kits, Menus

Qatar Airways is observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the sky and on the ground with a collection of special passenger offerings. The business-class amenity kit by luggage brand BRIC’S features a pink ribbon design on the case as well as on the zipper pull. On flights departing Doha, the in-flight meals will include pink-themed snacks such as pink guava and grape lemonade, and assorted desserts with the iconic pink ribbon. On the ground, the Al Mourjan Business Lounge offers a ‘Think Pink’ afternoon tea menu. Economy-class passengers will receive special amenity kits and in-flight desserts as well.

Qatar Airways | Related Formia enhances its sustainability strategy for amenities — Aircraft Interiors International

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

"Brushwing or shark's fin?"

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

> Tweet of the Day

As the last two BA 747 aircraft are due to depart from Heathrow for the final time this morning, my Dad has asked me to post the following photos on his behalf. Here is my grandfather Keith taking delivery of the first BA 747 in 1970 as chairman of BOAC. #BA747farewell #BOAC

Ben Granville @BenGranville1

Association News

Save the Date for APEX EXPO: October 18-21, 2021, in Long Beach

APEX EXPO is the most comprehensive industry marketplace. Airline CEOs, executives and decision makers gather to share unique insights and meet with more than 300 exhibitors demonstrating the latest innovation and technology that shapes the future of the end-to-end passenger experience. The next edition will take place from October 18 to 21, 2021, in Long Beach, California.

Hear From AirFi’s CEO in Tomorrow’s Weekly Wrap

In tomorrow’s show, hosts Maryann Simson and Seth Miller find out more from AirFi CEO Job Heimerikx about the company’s recent product deployment for Eastern Airlines and the upgrade path to AirFi LEO. They also bid farewell to British Airways’ Boeing 747s and wish KLM a happy 101st birthday! Subscribe to the APEX YouTube channel.

> Quote of the Day

“We’re enabling each other to offer more to our airline customers – which in turn enables them to offer enhanced services to their passengers.”

Catherine Brown, Bluebox Aviation Systems
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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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