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November 25, 2020

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Today's Top Stories

CommonPass Digital Health Passport Scores ACI Partnership

The non-profit CommonTrust Network announced that Airports Council International (ACI) representing nearly 2,000 airports across the globe, will join its CommonPass digital health passport implementation. The project aims to provide the necessary infrastructure for airlines, airports and governments to verify and validate passenger health data. Early trials with United Airlines and Cathay Pacific on specific routes showed promise, and the group is keen to expand more broadly. CommonTrust also aims to support organizations outside the air travel segment, making its offering more broadly compelling compared to industry-specific offerings.

PR Newswire | Related IATA Travel Pass – IATA

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Delta Adds Comfort+ to A350s

Delta Air Lines’ A350 aircraft will soon fly with a Comfort+ cabin on board, adding a bit of extra legroom for some economy-class travelers. The total number of seats on board won’t change so the increased pitch for Comfort+ will mean less legroom for other economy seats. The carrier indicated its intentions to ensure that all four seating products are available across all its wide-body aircraft, though a timeline for the retrofits is not available.

Simple Flying | Related Lufthansa Launch New Economy Class Experience – Airways Magazine

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Gilat Appoints New CEO

Adi Sfadia secured the role of CEO at Gilat Satellite Networks after serving in an interim manner since July 2. He spent the prior five years as the company’s CFO. Dov Baharav, Gilat's chairman of the board, commented, "Adi brings with him a deep understanding and a wealth of experience in the satellite industry, which I believe will bring value to the customers, shareholders and Gilat's employees. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we would like to wish Gilat success under Adi's capable leadership."

Globe Newswire | Related SES and Gilat Expand Partnership with Multi-Million-Dollar Follow-on Order for High-Speed Modems – Globe Newswire

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Airlines Bring Entertainment to Customers On the Ground

With many travelers electing to stay home due to the pandemic, a number of airlines are bringing the in-flight experience to them, from meals to entertainment. Air New Zealand brought its trivia game to the home market via Instagram, Singapore Airlines offered passengers free in-app access to its coveted in-flight e-library, United mailed hard copies of its onboard magazine to select loyalty members and Air Canada made 200-plus titles from its IFE catalog available on a custom online streaming platform. The Canadian airline is currently looking at ways to integrate the service on a more permanent basis even after travel volumes rebound.

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Iberia Brings Back Food With New Do & Co Catering

In-flight dining will return to Iberia with a new suite of offerings provided by Do & Co catering. The updated menus cover all routes and classes of service. The revised menu focuses on the Mediterranean diet and uses local and seasonal products where possible. The carrier also reopened its Dali lounge at its T4 hub in Madrid, with single-portion hot foods on offer.

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IATA Launches Carbon Emissions Trading Platform

As part of its commitment to reduce overall carbon emissions, IATA launched the Aviation Carbon Exchange (ACE), a centralized, real-time marketplace for offset credits. By tying it into IATA’s payments clearing house, ACE can offer a seamless and secure platform to guarantee payments and deliver credits. JetBlue completed the first transaction on the platform on Wednesday, purchasing credits from the Larimar wind farm project in the Dominican Republic.

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Etihad Implements Biometrics for Crew

Cabin crew at Etihad’s Abu Dhabi home base will use a facial recognition system from SITA to check in for work rather than swiping their ID card at a kiosk. The trial will allow them to complete check-in procedures and mandatory pre-flight safety and security questions via their own mobile devices. Captain Sulaiman Yaqoobi, vice-president of Flight Operations at Etihad Aviation Group, noted, “By integrating contactless technology, biometric services will increase efficiency while simultaneously cementing our commitment to reducing the spread of COVID-19 by limiting physical touch points and maximizing social distancing measures.”

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

United Express swoops into LAX during a glorious sunset.

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

Ghirardelli hot chocolate on United? We're in! ☕️ #avgeek #crewlife #chocolate #united

The Jet Set @TheJetSetTV

Association News

APEX TECH Agenda Now Live

APEX TECH comprises 12 sessions and almost three hours of content brought to you by the APEX Technology Committee. Topics include inflight connectivity, High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, inflight advertising advancements, Language Metadata Tables (LMT) and more. Representatives from Lufthansa, Panasonic, SITA, WarnerMedia and other leading companies will be sharing their knowledge. All sessions will be available as part of the FTE APEX Virtual Expo OnDemand Speaker Zone. Learn more.

Discover the Directory of 100 Solutions to Pandemic Problems in the Latest APEX Experience Magazine

In the face of one of the biggest challenges ever to hit the aviation industry, companies responded swiftly. The solutions they created prompted our editorial team to create a database that soon begged to be shared. Countless hours of research and debate has led to "100 Solutions to Pandemic Problems," the central feature of the 10.4 issue. These are the innovations in aircraft interiors, entertainment & connectivity, airport experience and in-flight services that are poised to restore traveler confidence.

> Quote of the Day

“Hygiene has become more interesting. We also see the boost of the health and well-being trends.”

Sunbul Dubuni, LSG
Read the article

Until next week. Happy Thanksgiving!

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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