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November 16, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Emirates Orders More Airbus A350-900s But No -1000

Emirates has placed an order for 15 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, taking its total backlog for the type to 65 aircraft. However, notably absent from the order were the larger A350-1000 aircraft, which Emirates President Sir Tim Clark previously criticized for engine performance, describing the Rolls-Royce Trent engines as “defective.” While the A350-900s will be deployed on long-haul missions, the A350-1000 remains in question until engine performance issues are resolved, with Clark indicating that improvements to durability and maintenance costs are necessary for Emirates to commit.

Simple Flying | Related Emirates Orders More Airbus A350-900s - One Mile at a Time

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Norse Atlantic Lands 787-9 Dreamliner In Antarctica

Norse Atlantic Airways has become the first commercial airline to operate a Boeing 787 Dreamliner into Antarctica. The charter flight transported personnel and cargo to the Troll Research Station, commissioned by the Norwegian Polar Institute. While other commercial airliners have previously operated into the Antarctic, this marks the first time a Boeing 787 has been used for such a mission. The 787’s long-range capabilities, fuel efficiency, and quieter engines make it suitable for flying to remote destinations like Antarctica, supporting eco-tourism efforts to the continent.

Aviation Source News | Related A Boeing 787 is flying to Antarctica for the first time - Airlive

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Dubai Airports CEO Unveils Vision For Seamless Passenger Journeys

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths has highlighted the need for airports to embrace modern technology and artificial intelligence to improve the passenger experience. He noted that airports often prioritize operational efficiency over consumer satisfaction, leading to bottlenecks and inconvenience for travelers. Griffiths aims to eliminate unnecessary physical barriers and reimagine airport operations to create a more seamless and enjoyable journey for passengers. He also emphasized the importance of adopting a customer-centric approach in the airport industry to elevate the passenger experience to hospitality standards.

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Viasat Cements Commitment To Hybrid Network

Viasat and Deutsche Telekom have reached a long-term agreement to provide inflight connectivity (IFC) solutions to airline partners across the European Aviation Network (EAN). The agreement reaffirms their commitment to EAN, which combines S-band satellite coverage with a ground component network operated by Deutsche Telekom. Viasat is now part of the EAN’s global service offering in aviation and aims to welcome more airline partners to the network, benefiting passengers across Europe. The move signals a change of tune from Viasat, which had previously contested EAN’s launch.

Runway Girl Network | Related EAN inflight connectivity astounds on Aegean A321neo - Runway Girl Network

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Delta Window Seat Shop JFK, New Way To Earn Status

Delta has opened a retail store called the Window Seat Shop at New York’s JFK Airport Terminal 4, near gate B20. The shop offers a range of products, including French chocolate, Colombian mochila bags, and spices from Egypt. Delta SkyMiles members with co-branded Delta Amex cards can start making purchases from November 14, while non-cardholders can start on November 15. Additionally, between November 14 and November 30, 2023, all purchases at the Window Seat Shop will earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs), which count toward Delta's elite status program.

One Mile At A Time | Related Delta Launches Retail Store Where Purchases Go Towards 2025 Status - Travel and Leisure

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Virgin Australia Tightens Airport Lounge Rules

Virgin Australia is making changes to its lounge rules, with updates to its terms and conditions taking effect on November 9. The revisions include a rule that all guests in Virgin Australia lounges must consume food and beverages within the lounge, preventing passengers from taking away sandwiches and snacks. The airline is also closing a loophole that allowed non-flying guests to access the lounge and is introducing a two-hour time limit for guests with purchased single-entry lounge passes.

Executive Traveller | Related Delta will make it harder to get into airport lounges, changes rules to earn elite status - CNBC

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Tampa International Deploys Lidar-Based AI Analytics

Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Florida has partnered with The Indoor Lab and Cepton to deploy lidar-based AI analytics for improved airport operations. This solution uses lidar-based sensing technology to provide operational analytics for indoor and outdoor spaces, with around-the-clock monitoring. The system offers enhanced safety and efficiency at various airport locations, including the entrance, pickup and drop-off areas, terminals, and the airfield. The goal is to enhance the passenger experience and improve various aspects of airport operations, including staffing optimization, cleanliness maintenance, and TSA wait time management.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Guam Airport selects Collins Aerospace identity management system - Passenger Terminal Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @sralfalo, featuring an Air Serbia Embraer E190 aircraft at Hamburg Airport.

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> Tweet of the Day

Regional, Responsible, Exceptional at #DubaiAirshow ✈️ Experience ATR #Highline, our collection of high-end cabin interiors for air carriers seeking a premium #PaxEx, with cabin volumes equal to the largest business jets and CO2 emissions cut in half 👇https://atrnews.info/47d1YDF

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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 A350-900s will add to our fleet mix and we are pleased to announce additional orders for this aircraft type. We plan to deploy our A350s to serve a range of new markets including long-haul missions of up to 15 hours flying time from Dubai.”

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO of Emirates
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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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