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November 15, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Emirates Forges Deals To Keep The A380 Flying For Longer

Emirates has invested over $1.5 billion in a series of deals to maintain and improve the operational efficiency, performance, and reliability of its Airbus A380 fleet. The airline is working with various partners, including Safran and Collins Aerospace for landing gear maintenance, Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney for wheels, brakes, and auxiliary power units, and OEMServices for spare parts. Additionally, Lufthansa Technik will provide base maintenance services for Emirates’ A380s, including C Checks over the next three years.

Simple Flying | Related Emirates Airbus A380 Fleet Gets New Life With Premium Economy Cabin - Forbes

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Wisk Aero Launches eVTOL Test Flights At Long Beach Airport

Wisk Aero has conducted electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) test flights at Long Beach Airport in the greater Los Angeles Area. This marks the first eVTOL air taxi company to fly in the area. Wisk demonstrated autonomous flight operations in a real-world commercial airport environment alongside other passenger airline operations, emphasizing the safety and potential of autonomous passenger flight. The company also hosted local and state officials to discuss the future of advanced air mobility.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Joby, Volocopter fly electric air taxis over New York City - TechCrunch

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Airbus Wins Ethiopian Deal As Emirates Talks Go Down To Wire

Ethiopian Airlines has revealed a provisional order for 11 Airbus A350-900 jets at the Dubai Airshow, indicating reduced tensions over engine pricing. This comes after a dispute between Emirates and Rolls-Royce over engine performance and costs. Emirates had been close to finalizing a deal for dozens of Airbus A350-1000s but later fell apart, leading to backroom engine negotiations that often drive major aircraft orders. The three-way standoff reflects a trend of airlines buying jets while negotiating complex engine maintenance deals, making quick-fire air show announcements more challenging.

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Jetstar 787s To Get New Business Class Seats, Wi-Fi, Extended Range

Jetstar plans to give its Boeing 787 Dreamliners a multimillion-dollar makeover, including new business class and economy seats, onboard Wi-Fi, and dedicated crew rest bunks. The refurbishment aims to make the aircraft suitable for long-range routes to destinations like the USA, India, and South Africa. The business class cabin will expand from 21 to 44 seats, while 33 economy seats will be removed. However, there won’t be video screens; instead, passengers will rely on Wi-Fi to stream content to their devices. The upgrades are set to begin in late 2025 and are expected to be completed by 2027.

Executive Traveller | Related Etihad showcases new Boeing 787 business class suites - Executive Traveller

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Seamless’ Rating System For IFC Antennas Rates Airbus Type 4

The Seamless Air Alliance’s Architecture/Interoperability group, chaired by Airbus and Boeing, has assessed the satellite-based aero antenna market and recognized four antenna types: Type 1 is GEO-only; Type 2 is LEO-only; Type 3 is hybrid with limited GEO coverage; and Type 4 is hybrid with full GEO coverage. ThinKom Solutions’ Ka2517 VICTS antenna and Get SAT’s dual-beam AeroLesa phased array antenna are rated Type 4 by the alliance and are being incorporated into terminals produced by Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI).

Runway Girl Network | Related Safran sits pretty as Airbus breaks vertical integration of IFC - Runway Girl Network

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Lufthansa Adds Free Messaging, Lowers Wi-Fi Pricing

Lufthansa is introducing free inflight messaging on all short and medium-haul flights operated by Airbus A320-family aircraft starting in mid-January 2024. Passengers will be able to use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram for unlimited messaging and picture sharing. However, to access this service, passengers will need to log into the FlyNet portal with a Miles & More service card number or an email address registered with a Lufthansa Group Travel ID. Additionally, Lufthansa will reduce the price of its Wi-Fi packages by nearly 50%.

One Mile at a Time | Related Vistara offers complimentary WiFi to loyalty programme members on flights - Business Standard

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Guam Airport Selects Collins Aerospace Identity Management System

Collins Aerospace has been chosen to provide ARINC airport solutions at Guam International Airport (GUM) to enhance passenger processing efficiency and reduce congestion. The contract aims to shorten processing times at US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checks, especially during peak seasons. The SelfPass identity management system will enable travelers at GUM to move smoothly through the airport using facial scans, establishing a secure link between passport, boarding pass, and biometric identity for self-service processing. Collins Aerospace will also provide ARINC BagLink and ARINC cMUSE for baggage handling and passenger processing at check-in and gates.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Toulouse-Blagnac Airport’s autonomous baggage tractor extends route and goes fully driverless - Passenger Terminal Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @trevisan26_aviation, featuring an Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft about to land at LAX.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Rad departure view from #Midway in Chicago. Great flights @SouthwestAir! #paxex #travel

Shawna Malvini Redden @drshawna

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

“The A380 has been and will continue to be very much part of the Emirates story. Our continued commitment to and confidence in the A380 are why we’re investing heavily to keep the fleet in optimal shape and pristine condition. The A380 will remain core to our network and customer proposition for the next decade, and we want to ensure our fleet is in tip-top shape.”

Emirates President Sir Tim Clark
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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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