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November 29, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

China Airlines Reveals Business-Class Cabin on First A321neo

Taiwan’s China Airlines has received the first of 25 A321neos equipped with a new business-class cabin featuring 12 lie-flat seats. The seats are in a 2-2 configuration with adjustable extra-height partitions for privacy, 15.6” HD seatback screens that can be controlled using passengers’ smartphones and a Bluetooth audio connection. Economy class features 3-3 seating and 13.3” HD in-flight entertainment screens. In-flight Wi-Fi and free texting are available to all passengers. The fleet will emphasize contactless services and includes lavatories with sensor-activated taps.

Executive Traveller | Related Qatar’s New Business Class for A321neo, Boeing 787 and 777X – Executive Traveller

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Omicron Variant Spurs Host of New Travel Bans, Restrictions

The EU, UK and US have implemented travel bans on numerous southern African countries in response to concerns about the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which is thought to carry an increased risk of reinfection for those who have caught the virus and recovered. Canada has banned all foreigners that have traveled to southern Africa in the last two weeks, while Japan, which has not yet opened up to international travelers, said Japanese nationals traveling from six southern African countries will have to quarantine in dedicated accommodation for 10 days and take three COVID-19 tests during that time.

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Qantas Introduces Green Tier Status for Frequent Flyers

Early next year, Qantas is adding a Green tier to its frequent flyer program following feedback that almost two-thirds of members want to become more sustainable. To achieve Green status, members must complete five sustainable activities each year across six areas: Flying, travel, lifestyle, sustainable purchases, reducing impact and giving back. These include offsetting flight, home and car emissions as well as other behaviors like walking to work. In turn, they will be rewarded with bonus Qantas Points or status credits in addition to what they already earn as part of the program.

Qantas Newsroom | Related Frequent Flyer Taxes Vs. “Green” Loyalty Programmes – What Is The Future Of Sustainable Travel? – SimpliFlying

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Oneweb’s VP Mobility Ben Griffin Explains How LEO Will Affect IFC

Ahead of APEX/IFSA EXPO, APEX Media spoke to Oneweb’s VP Mobility Ben Griffin to discuss how the company’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation will affect in-flight connectivity (IFC). “Once the industry gets used to the performance of LEO satellites, what that really high capacity and really low latency means for connectivity, people will want to use LEO much more. That said, it’s a new technology and I don't expect the airline industry to opt out of a GEO complement just yet … I agree with the high-level hypothesis that there’s room for both, but I think once people understand the benefits of LEO that will diminish.”

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EasyJet Launches Limited Edition Advent Calendar

EasyJet has launched a limited edition “Advent(ure) Calendar” with 12 drawers that contain gifts including four pairs of return flights for two, a year’s easyJet Plus membership and vouchers for European tours and excursions with Get Your Guide. The calendar is priced at approximately $925, but the airline said the retail price of the gifts totals nearly $2,000. Its creation follows a poll conducted by easyJet that showed 52% of respondents see abroad adventures as a top priority and that 50% would prefer the gift of travel over material gifts. All proceeds from the calendar will be donated to the charity Age UK.

Simple Flying | Related Singapore Airlines launches Flight Pass for “discounted ticket bundles” – Business Traveller

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Airbus Completes A350-900 Test Flights with 100% SAF

Results from the first Airbus A350-900 test flights using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) have shown SAF generates less carbon emissions and produces fewer particulates than kerosene, which points to potential for improvement in air quality around airports. The ECLIF3 study, conducted by Airbus, Neste, DLR, Rolls-Royce, the national Council of Canada and the University of Manchester, marks the first time 100% SAF has been measured simultaneously on both engines of a commercial aircraft. Current safety regulations allow blends of up to 50% SAF.

Air Insight Group | Related Honeywell Technology Enables Jet Flights with SAF from Algal Oil – Biomass Magazine

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Hospitality Platform Servy Makes Canadian Debut

Servy has launched at Canada’s Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, extending the platform’s presence to 13 countries worldwide. The partnership sees the launch of mobile ordering via the Grab Airport Marketplace, giving travelers the option to order food and beverages from their own devices. The launch marks the first time the platform will be offered in two languages, both English and French. It is available for nine restaurants across the airport with plans to extend to 40 stores.

Moodie Davitt Report | Related Servy Reaches Ten Million Order Milestone and Launches Insights Engine – Moodie Davitt Report

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

A sunset take-off from Barcelona for an Airbus A320. Captured by @carol_fotos15

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

> Tweet of the Day

Ultra-low cost airlines with few international flights holding up better than large network airlines today as investors digest the omicron info and/or lack thereof

Leslie Josephs @lesliejosephs

> Quote of the Day

“United is the only airline in the world that I know that’s gotten rid of delay codes.”

Scott Kirby, United Airlines
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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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