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November 23, 2020

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Today's Top Stories

Europe Eyes January Approval of 737 MAX Return

The FAA ungrounded the 737 MAX last week but other global regulators are not yet on board. It now appears that European regulator EASA will issue its approval in January. The agency is expected to provide guidance this week and then collect comments before a final ruling is made, likely in January. Once that happens, airlines will be required to update the aircraft configuration and complete pilot training before bringing the aircraft back to the skies.

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Qantas to Require COVID Vaccination for International Flights

Qantas plans to make vaccinations against COVID-19 compulsory for passengers once the airline resumes international flying next year. To that end digital health passports are a growing concern. AirAsia is the latest carrier to include entry requirements as part of its app to help passengers plan their testing and quarantine regimen for a trip. The airline says the system is live for several of its flights from Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur airport to and from Singapore and Surabaya and soon will launch for Jakarta.

Executive Traveller | Related AirAsia introduces new COVID-clearance technology – Phocuswire

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Delta Extends Biometric Boarding to Domestic Services

Biometric passenger verification is typically limited to international departures in the US, owing in part to the lack of a coherent domestic database of passenger photos. Delta Air Lines is pushing into the domestic market, however, with a pilot program at its Detroit hub. The program will only be open to passengers who have a passport and Known Traveler Number to include in their traveler profile, limiting the reach but ensuring that the TSA has access to the underlying data necessary for validation. At the airport, travelers can simply look into the camera at bag drop, the security checkpoint and the boarding gate to use their digital identity in place of a physical ID and boarding pass.

Travel Pulse | Related Delta launches first domestic digital identity test in U.S., providing touchless curb-to-gate experience – Delta

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NXTCOMM’s New AeroMax Antenna Will Have Reduced Interference

After unveiling the design of AeroMax this past summer, NXT Communications (NXTCOMM) is set to release its new flat-panel electronically steered antenna in 2021. It uses fragmented aperture – an innovation developed in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Research Institute that has roots in military application – to significantly reduce interference between an antenna’s elements: the more than 10,000 tiny antennas in a standard aircraft installation. “With a fragmented aperture approach, we’re able to reach an aperture efficiency percentage in the mid-to-high 80s, whereas in traditional applications everybody’s happy once they’ve hit 60 percent,” said Carl Novello, NXTCOMM’s chief technology officer.

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Singapore Airlines Launches New Eco-Friendly Economy-Class Menus

The Singapore Airlines regional menus are getting a refresh this winter. More than 40 new dishes will be available on rotation, including Singaporean favourites such as congee, laksa and gravy-rich mee siam. The expanded meal options are made possible by an updated packaging solution, consisting of a leak-proof box and cup made of Forest Stewardship Council certified paper, a dessert box and a cutlery pack made of bamboo with a paper wrap. The packaging reduces single-use plastics on board and will be returned to Singapore and converted into pellets that can be used as refuse-derived fuel, a source of energy that can replace fossil fuel and coal.

Singapore Airlines | Related A Change of Course: How the Pandemic Has Altered In-Flight Service – APEX Media

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British Airways Sells Off Supplies

With demand down and planes retiring, British Airways opened its warehouse doors to the general public, selling off surplus supplies. The company has myriad catering stock on the market, with higher demand options such as blankets and champagne flutes selling out quickly. "We know that these special items will fly and we are delighted to be able to offer them in time for Christmas to give people the opportunity to make it memorable during a difficult year," said Carolina Martinoli, British Airways' director of Brand and Customer Experience.

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JAL’s First Class Crest Sees Refresh With ABC International

Japan Airlines’ first-class cabins on the 787 and A350 will see a new crest installed on board. The updated style and finishing of the logo was developed by Tangerine before being handed over to ABC International for manufacturing and installation. Olindo Spatola, VP Engineering and HDO at ABC International, spoke to some of the challenges in making the pieces: “The need to have a ‘concave’ Crane, i.e. a Crane which is not flat, in combination with the required finishing make this product unique, as well as highly demanding in terms of manufacturing techniques and ABC feels really proud to have met customer’s expectations.”

Inflight-Online | Related Welcome On Board Calvin Noonan – ABC International

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Pink skies and palm trees in Beverly Hills, captured as Khan-Cheema's year in California was coming to an end.

Yusuf Khan-Cheema's aviation snapshots are featured in the latest issue of APEX Experience magazine. Use #APEXPOTD and yours may be next!

> Tweet of the Day

Giving back & supporting communities has always been part of our employees’ DNA. During this Pandemic, they have continued to inspire us with their actions, resilience & optimism.

Air Canada @AirCanada

Association News

10 New Exhibitors, 30 More Airlines and Airports Signed Up For FTE APEX Virtual Expo Last Week

Register today for free access to the FTE APEX Virtual Expo exhibition hall and join the 300+ airlines and airports already registered to attend. Register for a Premium Pass before December 3 for VIP access to all parts of the show. This includes access to the virtual exhibition hall and engaging conference sessions, the ability to participate in creative networking areas, and the opportunity to experience an array of announcements and launches from the various industry stakeholders involved.

On This Day: The Beatles Mention BOAC in a Song Released on November 22, 1968

"Flew in from Miami Beach BOAC" was the first line sung in The Beatles' "White Album" opener entitled "Back in the USSR." The airline, whose full name was British Overseas Airways Corporation, was founded on November 24, 1939 and ceased operations in 1974, when it merged with three other companies to form British Airways (BA). To celebrate its one-hundredth birthday last year, BA repainted a Boeing 747 in the blue-and-gold BOAC livery. Read about the retrojet revival in a throwback published in the 9.4 issue of APEX Experience magazine.

> Quote of the Day

“Reducing, reusing and recycling is what we strive for."

Dominik Sharaf, LSG
Read the article

Until 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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