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November 4, 2021

Inmarsat Announces Launch Plans for I-6 F1 Satellite

The first Inmarsat-6 satellite, I-6 F1, will be launched on December 21 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 45 from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. Rajeev Suri, Inmarsat’s CEO, explained, “The I-6s [incorporate] increased capacity and technological advances for ELERA’s L-band services alongside additional Global Xpress high-speed broadband capacity ... I-6 F1 is integral to the geostationary earth orbit (GEO) infrastructure that underpins ORCHESTRA – [a] network that will combine GEO, low-Earth orbit and terrestrial 5G into one solution.”

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Airbus Evolves Approach to Innovation with Airbus Scale

Airbus has launched a new innovation unit, Airbus Scale. The unit will build on the experience of BizLab, identifying internal corporate innovation opportunities and partnering with late-stage startups to develop solutions for the external world, bringing them to market and attracting external investments. This week, together with Dassault Aviation, ONERA, the French Ministry of Transport and Safran, Airbus launched the first A319neo with 100% sustainable aviation fuel. The OEM will now analyze the impact of the SAF on ground and in-flight emissions in collaboration with DLR.

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Ultra Air to Launch Using Navitaire’s Airline Platform

Ultra Air, Columbia’s new ultra-low-cost carrier, will use Navitaire’s New Skies digital-first airline platform for reservations and retailing, as well as its Digital Experience Suite, NDC gateway, Ancillary Revenue Optimization, revenue accounting and loyalty solutions. Navitaire’s platform allows new airlines to offer bundled or a la carte ancillary services throughout the customer journey, and to connect with partners from online travel agencies to travel commerce companies. Ultra Air will launch with a fleet of Airbus A320 jets and aims to grow to 40 aircraft over the next five years.

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Saudia Debuts “Discover Saudi Arabia” IFE Channel

Saudia is launching a “Discover Saudi Arabia” channel as part of its in-flight entertainment (IFE) offering during a special “Museum in the Sky” flight between Riyadh and World Heritage Site AlUla. Passengers will be able to watch the Discovery Channel’s documentary Architects of Ancient Arabia, as well as view a replica collection of artefacts from ancient civilizations discovered in AlUla during excavations there. They will also be offered the opportunity to book some of the first tickets to AlUla’s new Hegra After Dark experience, which includes an immersive theatre performance and stargazing.

Gulf Business | Related How Saudia Became The World’s Most Improved Airline Twice In Four Years – SimpliFlying

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Eurowings Discover Launches Two New Hot Meal Options

From October 31, Eurowings Discover will offer business- and economy-class passengers on short- and medium-haul flights a choice of two hot meal options, Chicken Teriyaki and Mac & Cheese, developed together with Retail inMotion. There are also two cold meal choices available, a freshly-made Veggie Bowl or Crunch Yoghurt Bowl, as well as two snacks, a Pretzel Sandwich and Vegan Wrap. The extension of the catering program is part of a collaboration with Retail inMotion that saw Eurowings Discover launch a fully digital buy-on-board product magazine in July. The menu will remain available until April 2022.

Onboard Hospitality | Related Start the holiday season with Eurowings Discover’s freshly made meals – Retail inMotion

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Collins’ GLU-2100 MMR Approved for Airbus Installations

Airbus has approved Collins Aerospace's (Collins) GLU-2100 Multi-Mode Receiver (MMR) for line-fit and retrofit on Airbus A320, A330 and A350 aircraft. The MMR assists pilots in positioning, navigating and landing a jet, including in demanding environments such as low visibility. It provides both Satellite- and Ground-Based Augmentation Systems to support the integrity of the aircraft position. The GLU-2100 is also equipped with the baseline hardware necessary to implement Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), putting Collins a step closer to offering GNSS capabilities to the commercial aviation market.

Collins Aerospace | Related Collins to Upgrade BA’s B777 Club World – Aircraft Interiors International

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Virgin Australia Hints Toasties Will Feature on Buy-On-Board Menu

Next month, Virgin Australia will introduce a new economy-class buy-on-board menu that includes fresh meals, an upgrade from the current offering, which is limited to packaged snacks and instant noodles. Before finalizing the menu, the carrier has been trialling wraps and sandwiches, including toasties, on medium- and long-range domestic flights. Sarah Adam, Virgin Australia's general manager, Product & Customer Experience, said she expects toasties to be offered across its network: “We know how much those toastie machines in our lounges get a workout.”

Executive Traveller | Related Take a peek at Virgin Australia’s new Melbourne Lounge – Virgin Australia

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Onboard a Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 flight from Detroit to Atlanta. Captured by @jmantravels.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Enjoy this new #aerialphotography from our colleagues at @PANYNJ capturing the ongoing work to redevelop @LGAairport Terminal B.

LaGuardia Terminal B @terminalBLGA

Association News

Job Vacancy: Account Coordinator, Spafax Spafax is seeking a remote Acc

Spafax is seeking a remote Account Coordinator to work for a major US airline. The role consists of coordinating the production workflow of monthly advertising and promotional content as well as ongoing project management of ad hoc airline content. The candidate will also be expected to maintain Spafax's internal database and screen movies and TV programs. They will support the account lead and collaborate closely with the Acquisitions, Operations, Metadata and Production teams. Ideally, applicants will have at least two years' experience of a client-facing role in TV/movie scheduling, programming and production and an airline entertainment background. To apply, email your resume to this address.

> Quote of the Day

"We saw it as an opportunity to inspire and evoke a sense of excitement around travel again."

Jessica Sammut, Spafax
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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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