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November 6, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

United States Retaliates Against Netherlands Flight Cap

The Dutch government plans to restrict Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to 452,500 annual flights starting in the summer of 2024. This change will result in around two dozen airlines, including JetBlue, losing their rights to fly to the airport next summer, while remaining airlines will have to reduce their service by 3.1%. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) claims that the Netherlands is violating the US and EU Air Transport Agreement by not following a balanced approach philosophy and is demanding that Dutch airlines submit their summer 2024 schedules to the DOT.

One Mile At A Time | Related The Netherlands squeezes Schiphol by cutting thousands of flights – Politico

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Indian Leasing Group To Buy Lyte’s Hybrid-Electric VTOL

Indian aircraft leasing company Vman Aviation Services has agreed to add Lyte Aviation’s planned 40-seat LA-44 SkyBus hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft to its portfolio. The deal includes preorders for 10 of the aircraft with deposits to be paid later as Lyte Aviation gets closer to anticipated type certification later this decade. Vman sees the SkyBus as a way to unlock potential growth in India’s regional air transportation network, given the country’s large population and congested roads. Lyte Aviation aims to have a full-scale prototype ready for test flights by the end of 2025.

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US Carriers & Ethanol Firms Write To Government Over SAF Regulatory Change

Several major US airlines, including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines, have requested that Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) derived from corn-based ethanol products qualify for the same subsidies as other SAF fuels. In a letter to Secretary of the Treasury, they argue that by allowing subsidies for ethanol-based fuels, airlines could reduce their carbon footprint more economically. Currently, subsidies for sustainable alternatives require carriers to reduce emissions by 50%, but ethanol-based fuel is seen as a cost-effective way to achieve this. Critics argue that ethanol-based fuels may not offer the emissions reductions claimed.

Simple Flying | Related US airlines back ethanol industry position on aviation fuel credit – Reuters

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Air India Plans Soft Upgrade For Ex-Aeroflot A350s

Tata Group, which is consolidating Air India with Vistara and merging Air India Express with AirAsia India, is facing challenges due to rising costs and supply chain constraints. To overcome these bottlenecks, the group is prioritizing a ‘take while obtainable’ approach over product commonality, even for aircraft interiors. For example, while Air India will receive six new Airbus A350-900s originally destined for Aeroflot, it will retain the same seats and in-seat Panasonic Avionics IFE but replace seat covers, headrest fabric, and branding with Air India’s own colors and logo.

Runway Girl Network | Related Air India prepares to induct the first A350-900 by December 2023 – Live from a Lounge

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SWISS Air Rail Network Expanding To Geneva Airport

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are expanding their “Air Rail network” to include Geneva Airport, offering customers traveling via Lausanne, Fribourg, or Bern convenient train connections to and from both Zurich and Geneva Airport. A QR code will also be added to SWISS Air Rail tickets to enhance boarding pass verification and system integration. This expansion aims to provide passengers in Western Switzerland with more connection choices and a smoother travel experience. The SWISS Air Rail Network now covers two airport rail stations and 11 other destinations.

Airport Technology | Related Geneva Airport now part of SWISS Air Rail network – RailTech.com

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Priority Pass Members Now Enjoy Fast-Track VIP One Security At JFK

Priority Pass members can now enjoy fast-track security access at JFK’s Terminal 1 through the VIP One service. VIP One offers three tiers: Silver, which includes access to the departure lounge and private TSA security checkpoint for $45 per person per visit. The Gold offering includes curbside assistance, check-in help, and an escort to the boarding gate or lounge for a higher fee. The Platinum tier adds an escort to both the lounge and boarding gate. Priority Pass subscribers gain access to the VIP One security checkpoint and lounge, starting at $99 annually.

Business Traveler USA | Related Airport experience can influence Fear of Switching Off: Priority Pass Research – TravelBiz Monitor

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London Gatwick Opens Two Food & Beverage Offerings

London Gatwick Airport is set to open its first Black Sheep Coffee and Krispy Kreme stores before Christmas 2023. Black Sheep Coffee will offer a range of hot drinks, smoothies, shakes, sandwiches, pastries, waffles, and more, while Krispy Kreme will serve doughnuts, shakes, coffee, and soft drinks. In addition, Giraffe World Kitchen will expand, providing more seating and an updated menu. Several other food and beverage outlets, including Vagabond Bar and Kitchen, South Downs Sparkling Wine Bar, Greggs, and The Breakfast Club, have recently opened at the airport, with BrewDog set to open later in 2023.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Istanbul Airport’s iGA Lounge partners with TRU Hospitality Services & Retail Group – Passenger Terminal Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @niclashco, featuring a Finnair Airbus A330 aircraft at Hamburg Airport.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Wow ! @airvistara is to offer complimentary in-flight wifi to Club Vistara members on flights operated on the #A321neo and #B787-9 aircraft in its fleet. #AvGeek #PaxEx

VT-VLO @Vinamralongani

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

“The Department finds that, because the Netherlands has failed to follow the Balanced Approach, the Phase 1 capacity reduction measures being undertaken at AMS constitute unjustifiable and unreasonable activities under IATFCPA, and are in violation of the of the US-EU Air Transport Agreement.”

United States Department of Transportation (DOT)
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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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