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November 24, 2020

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Today's Top Stories

Digital Health Passport App Coming From IATA

The digital health passport concept received a major boost this week as industry trade group IATA proposed its own version. IATA Travel Pass will coordinate national entry requirements through the TIMATIC platform, which is also used for visa and passport rules. It will build on the One ID concept of digital identities documented on a blockchain-backed ledger. The One ID platform will be extended to allow passengers and testing labs to include results that can be verified digitally, while ensuring that travelers maintain complete control of their data.

Business Traveller | Related Trial for sharing international travellers Covid test status set to start – Airport Technology

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Alaska Airlines Boosts its MAX Fleet

Alaska Airlines agreed to lease an additional thirteen Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which will replace ten Airbus A320s it currently operates. The carrier holds direct orders for another 32 737 MAXs directly from Boeing. The announcement comes as the FAA confirmed the ungrounding of the type and US airlines move to bring them back into service. Alaska is aiming to begin operating the 737 MAX in March 2021. With the additional planes and their increased range compared to the A320s they are replacing, it hopes to grow coming out of the current crisis.

Seattle Times | Related Boeing 737 MAX jets undergo round-the-clock effort to clear inventory – Reuters

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Boeing Digital Direct Joins Wireless IFE Market

Boeing’s strategic investment in Immfly earlier this year has evolved into the Boeing Digital Direct wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) platform, now available to airlines. Boeing Global Services offers a fully customized portal design and all the typical content channels, including app-free DRM services for Hollywood content. It also spotlights digital retail offers and “deep analytics to provide valuable insights” for airlines.

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IATA Selects New Leader

Alexandre de Juniac will step down from his position as director general and CEO of global industry trade group IATA at the end of March 2021. The news was shared as part of the group’s Annual General Meeting, held virtually for the first time because of the global pandemic. De Juniac has led IATA since 2016, having previously served as the CEO of Air France-KLM. He is expected to be succeeded by former International Airlines Group CEO, Willie Walsh.

Travel Weekly | Related Willie Walsh set to be appointed head of global airline body Iata – Irish Times

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COVID-19 Moves the Goalposts for Catering

Airline caterers are met with a conundrum as they attempt to balance the sustainability and product differentiation goals set in place before the coronavirus crisis with the complexities of the current situation. Hygiene is top of mind for today’s travelers, leading the ACA and IFSA to release fresh global safety guidelines and spurring a temporary rise in single-use plastic. Meanwhile, many airlines scrambled to adapt to fast-changing and commercially squeezed realities. “In all classes, we have seen a move to packaged and pre-prepared products, but we expect premium classes to return to a more ‘normal’ service fairly quickly,” said Robin Padgett, divisional senior vice-president, Catering, at dnata.

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Safran, 3M Team Up to Provide Cleaner Surfaces

Concerns about cleanliness on board will not disappear any time soon. Safran and 3M announced plans to combine their technologies to develop new offerings that will help airlines reassure passengers the cabin is as clean as possible, while reducing the burden on airlines to maintain that condition. The exclusive partnership will leverage the research capabilities of both companies to realize a shared vision for seamless, safe and stress-free travel. It's expected that their new aerospace materials will be available in 2021.

Safran Cabin | Related 100 Solutions to Pandemic Problems, Part 4: Aircraft Interiors – APEX Media

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Lufthansa Tests Out “Sleeper Row” Economy Class Offering

For the next few weeks, Lufthansa passengers traveling to and from Sao Paulo can secure a full row of seats and business-class bedding as part of the company’s “Sleeper Row” pilot program. A $260 up-charge at the airport will provide travelers with a bit more space on board during the 11-hour flights between Brazil and Germany. Availability will vary based on general loads for the flight and the number of open seats on board that Lufthansa can shift.

Airways Mag | Related New Lseat To Offer Sleep Mode In Economy Class – Aviation Week

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A British Airways Boeing 787-9, creatively reflected.

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

We're kicking off this brand new week with our first ever ATL Restaurant Week! If you're looking for average airport food WE DON'T HAVE IT.😎 Here are a few of our unique delights that are sure to give you a standout experience on the fly.✈️ #ATLairport

Atlanta Airport @ATLairport

Association News

FTE APEX Virtual Expo Exhibitors: Send Your News to APEX Media

Thousands of delegates are expected to attend FTE APEX Virtual Expo. This year, APEX Media's signature EXPO Daily Experience product has been reimagined as an all-digital endeavor. It will feature speaker insights, conference sessions, trending topics and exhibitor news – which is where you come in. Send your announcements to editor@apex.aero so they may be included in the dailies, which will be distributed to delegates and across FTE and APEX’s extensive social media and email networks. Learn more about APEX Media's editorial, advertising and custom video opportunities.

Pilot Courtland Savage Tackles Lack of Diversity in Aviation Through Non-Profit

"I did not think about being a pilot because I did not know I could be one," says first officer Courtland Savage, referring to the lack of representation of visible minorities in aviation. The pursuit of diversity in aviation is now his life's mission: Savage founded Fly For The Culture, a nonprofit that introduces young minorities to the industry and the different roles available to them by bringing them on tours of airports, maintenance facilities and manufacturers. It also provides free introductory flight lessons. Learn more about Savage's journey in the travelogue published in the 10.4 November/December issue of APEX Experience magazine.

> Quote of the Day

“People are starting to realize that travel is a privilege, not a right.”

Elizabeth Becker, travel journalist
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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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