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November 20, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Southwest Airlines Unveils Updated Net-Zero Plan By 2050

Southwest Airlines is revising its sustainability strategy with a three-pillar approach: sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and electrification of ground equipment, focusing on recycling and upcycling in its circulatory efforts, and collaborating with like-minded organizations. Key goals include a 50% reduction in carbon emission intensity by 2035, replacing 10% fuel with SAF by 2030, and reducing single-use plastics and energy use. In 2023, Southwest has engaged in various sustainability initiatives, and collaborated with Boeing, NASA, and General Electric Research, and purchased SAF from USA BioEnergy.

Simple Flying | Related Southwest Airlines, USA Bioenergy sign SAF agreement – Biodiesel Magazine

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Frontier Airlines Offers $499 All-You-Can-Fly Annual Pass

Frontier Airlines is offering an all-you-can-fly pass for 2024-2025 at a promotional price of $499, as part of its Black Friday promotions. The deal targets flexible travelers, and also includes an upgrade to the airline’s Elite Silver Status if the purchase is made by November 28.. The pass allows unlimited flights to Frontier’s domestic and international destinations, including Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Latin America. However, availability is limited, and seats are on a first-come, first-served basis with blackout dates and last-minute booking restrictions. Bag fees apply, and the pass automatically renews at a likely higher rate.

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Alaska Airlines Adopts Tap To Pay On iPhone For In-Flight Purchases

Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone feature is being introduced on Alaska Airlines flights, making the airline the first to adopt this technology. Flight attendants will use iPhones to accept various contactless payments, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless cards, for in-flight purchases. This initiative builds on Alaska Airlines’ existing use of iPhones for tasks like seat assignment checks. Launched by Apple in February 2022, Tap to Pay has been integrated into systems like Square and Stripe. Alaska Airlines is partnering with Stripe for this implementation.

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JetBlue Could Lose Amsterdam Slots Despite Flight Cap Suspension

The Dutch government has suspended plans to reduce flights at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) for summer 2024, following pressure from the USA, Canada, and the EU. The original proposal, aimed at reducing noise and emissions, faced legal challenges and threatened new carriers like JetBlue with the loss of slots. Although the suspension is welcomed by airlines, there’s still uncertainty regarding the availability of slots. JetBlue, which lacks historic slots at AMS, may still face difficulties in securing access.

Runway Girl Network | Related Dutch government shelves plans to cut flights at Amsterdam airport – FT

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British Airways Unveils Exclusive Diwali, Thanksgiving Menus

Brussels Airlines faces potential disruptions during the Christmas holidays as the cabin crew union filed an indefinite strike notice, effective from November 23. The union cited the airline's failure to adhere to collective labor agreements, including the unilateral adjustment of entry requirements for cabin chief positions. Dissatisfaction within the workforce is deep-rooted, with complaints about non-compliance with wage agreements stemming from the 2020 restructuring, despite the airline reporting improved financial results. The airline’s management expresseed surprise at the union's communication, pledging a commitment to seek long-term solutions.

Business Traveler USA | Related Akasa Air introduces braille menu cards for inflight dining – Times of India

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Etihad Reveals First & Business-Class Lounges At Terminal A

Etihad Airways has launched new first and business-class lounges in Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport. These luxurious lounges, spread across three floors, feature private Armani Casa suites, a games room, and a smoking lounge. The highlight includes the Constellation Bar on the top floor, decorated with a bespoke glass lighting sculpture. The lounges offer a la carte dining, live cooking stations, and a variety of international and Middle Eastern cuisines. First-class passengers on Etihad’s A380 The Residence have complimentary access to private suites, while other first-class passengers can book them.

The National | Related Etihad Airways unveils lounges at Abu Dhabi Airport’s Terminal A – Passenger Terminal Today

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TSA Expands Acceptance Of Colorado Digital IDs At Denver Airport

The TSA at Denver International Airport now accepts Colorado-issued digital driver licenses and IDs for TSA PreCheck-eligible travelers using the North Security Checkpoint. This digital ID can be added to Google Wallet and Apple Wallets by Colorado residents. The TSA uses advanced Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) with digital ID readers and cameras for real-time photo matching, enhancing identity verification. Travelers don’t need to show a boarding pass, as CAT-2 also confirms flight tickets. Physical credentials are still accepted, and photos taken by CAT units are only used for immediate verification and not stored.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related Passenger data experts call for legislation and technical support to strengthen security – Passenger Terminal Today

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today’s picture comes from @niclashco, featuring an airBaltic Airbus A220 aircraft, and a Helvetic Airways aircraft in the background.

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

> Tweet of the Day

Fantastic shot of MSN 11907 by @NunoSeletti to be acquired by @airindia (AI) from lessor CALC. Its anyone's guess why these are not being painted in the new livery. My guess given they may not feature AI's latest narrowbody cabins, they arrive in the old livery. #AvGeek #PaxEx

VT-VLO @Vinamralongani

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

“We’re working toward our decarbonization goals by modernizing our fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft and securing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), while also furthering our sustainability initiatives in the near-term.”

Helen Giles, Managing Director Environmental Sustainability at Southwest Airlines
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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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