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November 2, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Delta Unveils High-Speed Wi-Fi For Regional Jets

Delta Air Lines has partnered with Hughes Network Systems to provide high-speed satellite connectivity on over 400 Boeing 717s and regional jets in North America. These jets have typically faced challenges in obtaining reliable inflight internet due to the size and weight of the necessary antennas. The installation of new satellite antennas and radomes will connect to Ka-band satellites, offering high-speed gate-to-gate connectivity. Initial installations will begin in mid-2024, with the full rollout expected by the end of 2025. The CRJ-200 aircraft will not receive Wi-Fi upgrades, as they are being phased out.

The Points Guy | Related Delta Upgrading Regional Jet Wi-Fi In 2024 – One Mile at a Time

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Saudia To Use Amadeus’ New Nevio Selling Platform

Saudia is partnering with Amadeus to enhance its passenger experience. Using Amadeus Nevio, Saudia aims to provide more personalized offerings, including its own content, as well as services from partners such as hotels, airports, and destinations.. The platform will enable the airline to offer granular pricing and distribute advanced offers through various channels. Passengers will also benefit from self-service digital options through a mobile app. The partnership will involve transitioning from Amadeus Altéa Passenger Service System to Amadeus Nevio, with a focus on improving traveler experience.

Business Travel News | Related Saudia to transition from the Amadeus Altéa PSS to new ecommerce platform Nevio – Aviation Business News

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Airline Ancillary Revenues To Reach Record $118 Billion In 2023

The CarTrawler Worldwide Estimate of Ancillary revenue predicts a 15% surge in airline ancillary revenue in 2023, increasing from $102.8 billion in 2022 to $117.9 billion. Ancillary revenue, generated from services and activities beyond the flight cost, has been steadily growing, peaking at $42.11 per passenger in 2022. This year, it is expected to fall to $37.59 per passenger. Low-cost carriers (LCCs), which account for about 31% of the market share in this segment, are primarily driving this increase.

Simple Flying | Related Airline ancillary revenue reaches record $117.9 billion worldwide for 2023 – TravelDailyNews International

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AirFi’s IFE Attracts Interest From Narrowbody & Widebody Operators

AirFi LEO, a portable wireless IFE provider, is attracting interest from both narrowbody and widebody operators for its lightweight, low-bandwidth inflight connectivity solution powered by Iridium’s Certus 100 service. The system offers real-time credit card verification, inflight messaging, electronic flight bag updates, and more. Airlines are drawn to AirFi LEO’s simplicity and cost-effectiveness, particularly for leased aircraft. The real-time payment capability is also appealing as it can reduce missed revenue opportunities. The system meets the basic connectivity needs of passengers for messaging, making it a valuable addition for airlines.

Runway Girl Network | Related Iridium approves third Certus 700 satcom for aero; says more to come – Runway Girl Network

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Cathay Pacific Reboots Service At Its Hong Kong Lounges

Cathay Pacific is taking over key passenger-facing roles from its lounge operator, Sodexo, at its Hong Kong lounges, including The Wing First, The Wing Business, The Pier First, The Pier Business, and The Deck, from November 2023. Sodexo will still handle catering and cleaning. The move will allow Cathay Pacific to deliver premium service to its customers directly, enhancing its control over service standards and aligning service excellence across customer touchpoints as the airline works to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Executive Traveller | Related Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific banks on premium services in battle back to airline top flight – South China Morning Post

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Frontier Airlines Plans To Transform Business Model

Frontier Airlines is planning to revamp its business model to resemble European ultra-low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airline aims to create a more modular network, with aircraft based at specific airports, returning to the same base each night. This change should improve operational reliability, market saturation, cost savings in crewing and maintenance, and customer loyalty. Frontier’s CEO expects demand patterns to normalize in 2024, emphasizing the airline’s focus on achieving the lowest unit costs and the highest aircraft utilization.

One Mile At A Time | Related Frontier Airlines Seeks Simplified Model To Navigate Constraints – Aviation Week Network

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Sunshine Coast Airport Installs Navigation App To Improve Passenger Accessibility

Sunshine Coast Airport in Australia has become the country’s first to install BindiMaps, a digitally accessible wayfinding solution. This technology, which uses Bluetooth beacons and smartphone sensors, aims to make navigation easier for all passengers but is particularly beneficial for the blind or vision-impaired. The move aligns with Queensland’s Year of Accessible Tourism campaign, focused on creating inclusive travel experiences. The technology, which provides text, map view, and audio directions, aims to ensure that all passengers feel welcome and confident during their travels.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @sralfalo, featuring Austrian Airlines’ Airbus A321 aircraft.

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

> Tweet of the Day

I was pleasantly surprised with yesterday’s experience on @united from SEA to LAX: • I was unexpectedly upgraded to First. • Departure: on time. • The crew: phenomenal. • And the food: delicious - roast beef Asian salad with noodles and sesame ginger dressing. #PaxEx

The Afritraveller @Afritraveller

Association News

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.

> Quote of the Day

“We want every aspect of the Saudia experience to delight our guests. Amadeus Nevio would give us new levels of flexibility and the ability to achieve this throughout our entire operation.”

Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia
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The next newsletter will be out 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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