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November 10, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Emirates Reaffirms The Airbus A380 Will Fly Until The 2040s

Emirates President Tim Clark has affirmed the Airbus A380's operational life until the 2040s, citing the absence of viable alternatives. After completing a retrofit program for 10 A380s and having orders for Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777X, and 787s, Clark envisions a lasting future for larger aircraft. Emirates recently disclosed H1 FY2023/2024 results, reporting full utilization of its Boeing 777 fleet and 104 A380s. Clark, a staunch supporter of the A380, has suggested a re-engined version with modern technology. Emirates is maintaining orders for the A350-900, 777X, and 787, dismissing speculation of dropping the 787 orders.

Simple Flying | Related Emirates operating over 100 A380s as half-year profits surge - Flight Global

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US sees surge in consumer air travel complaints

Consumer complaints about air travel in the United States have surged, doubling in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year, according to the U.S. Transportation Department. The complaints continued to rise in April and May, with a total of 24,965 complaints in the first quarter, marking an 88% increase from the first quarter of 2022. Disability-related complaints, such as delays or damage to wheelchairs, also nearly doubled, reaching 636 in the first quarter. The Transportation Department is investigating several domestic airlines for possibly offering flight schedules they may not be able to fulfill.

CTV News | Related

Airline complaints nearly double from a year ago — and feds say there’s too many to process - New York Post

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Avelo Airlines Launches PayPal Partnership For Ticket Purchases

Low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines has entered a groundbreaking partnership with PayPal, becoming the first US airline to offer the "Pay in 4" service. This collaboration allows passengers to split ticket purchases from $30 to $1,500 into four interest-free payments. Avelo aims to provide travelers with more flexibility in managing their budgets and enhancing the overall booking experience. In addition to "Pay in 4," Avelo will integrate other PayPal services such as PayPal Checkout for secure payments and PayPal Braintree for improved transaction processing. The airline's CEO, Andrew Levy, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in making Avelo flights more accessible and affordable.

Simple Flying | Related Avelo Airlines Announces Multi-Year Strategic Relationship with PayPal - Cision

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United Airlines tweaks frequent flyer program to reward credit card spending

United Airlines is adjusting its frequent flyer program in partnership with Chase credit cards to facilitate easier elite status attainment for customers. Unlike other carriers, United is not altering the overall requirements for elite status in 2024. Instead, it plans to reward customers with 25 qualifying points for every $500 spent on co-branded Chase cards, compared to the current 500 points for every $12,000 spent. The airline will also eliminate caps on credit card spending that counts toward elite status. This move follows a trend among airlines to cater to big spenders within their frequent flyer programs, aiming to strike a balance between exclusivity and attainability.

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Delta CEO addresses United's boarding process change: 'Just boarding people' is fastest

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian has hinted that Delta is not planning to adopt United Airlines' new boarding method, known as WILMA (window-middle-aisle). United implemented this seating plan last month, aiming to save up to two minutes on the boarding process for each flight. While Bastian acknowledged trying various boarding methods, he stated that Delta found simply boarding people and getting them moving through the plane to be the fastest approach. Delta might consider adopting United's method if it proves more effective. United's WILMA plan involves seating passengers by the window, then the middle, and finally the aisle.

Fox Business | Related Delta CEO Ed Bastian slams United's 'complicated' new airplane boarding process: 'Just boarding people' is fastest - Daily Mail

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Semi-Private Airline Aero Signs Deal with SpaceX for Starlink IFC

Aero, a U.S.-based semi-private airline, has partnered with SpaceX to equip its fleet with Starlink's in-flight connectivity service. Aero, positioning itself as "the future of first class," operates jets with just 16 seats, focusing on exclusive travel experiences. The airline has chosen to install Starlink on its fleet of ERJ135 aircraft, making the service available on flights connecting Los Angeles, Dallas, Sun Valley, Aspen, and Los Cabos. This move aims to enhance the guest experience, providing fast, free, and reliable in-flight Wi-Fi. Aero's commitment to maintaining a best-in-class experience aligns with the implementation of Starlink across its scheduled routes.

Satellite Today | Related

Aero activates Starlink inflight internet on E135 fleet - Paxex.aero

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MAC, Delta launch MSP Airport's largest interior renovation ever

Minnesota's Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) and Delta Air Lines have initiated the largest interior renovation at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport's Terminal 1 since its opening in 1962. The "Airport Modernization Program" will see a $242 million investment, with MAC contributing $182.5 million and Delta $60 million. Focused on creating a unified and modern design, the project covers six terminals, seven concourses, and about 75 Delta gate hold rooms. The phased renovations, scheduled for completion in 2025, include upgraded flooring, wall finishes, LED lighting, technology enhancements, and a full refresh of 75 Delta gate hold rooms, aiming to enhance the overall airport experience.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Happy Friday! Today we are featuring this Scoot Dreamliner at Tokyo-Narita from @keisuke7g

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

> Tweet of the Day

Scheduled charter operator @GoAero now provides fast, free Wi-Fi to all its passengers. The company announced activation of the @Starlink inflight internet service on its Embraer E135 aircraft this week. https://t.co/eKerA92pCN #PaxEx

Seth Miller @WandrMe

Association News

NEW Online APEX Merchandise Store

We are thrilled to announce the launch of an online APEX Store. ‘Tis the season of giving, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than treating your colleagues and team to a gift from the APEX Store. You can find the perfect holiday gift and show your support for your APEX community. Start Shopping.

APEX TECH | 28-29 February 2024 | Los Angeles, CA, USA

Come embark on a journey to explore the latest advancements and innovations in the world of Inflight Connectivity, Media Content and Supply Chain, Data Capture and Intelligence, and Ancillary and Passenger Experience Use. Join us at 2024 APEX TECH, 28-29 February, in Los Angeles, CA, and learn from and network with airlines and service providers. Registration is now open!

> Quote of the Day

“So, the more recently delivered aircraft are going to be around for a while. It's going to be the late 2030s, maybe early 2040s, before we wave goodbye to the last A380, they're going to be here for the foreseeable future.”

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates
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The next newsletter will be out on Monday

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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