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November 30, 2020

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Today's Top Stories

More Travelers, More Challenges for US Carriers at Thanksgiving

The TSA screened more people on Sunday than any other day since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but the total travel numbers for the holiday weekend still came up well short of 2019 levels. Thanksgiving Sunday in 2019 was the all-time record for the TSA on a single day, with 2,882,915 people screened. The 1,176,091 travelers screened this year make up 40.8% of that number. In addition to the decrease in travelers, airlines are also contending with revenue shortfalls that are more significant than projected. JetBlue issued guidance showing daily cash burn 30% higher than anticipated for the fourth quarter. Delta Air Lines was forced to cancel hundreds of flights as it came up short on staffing.

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West Entertainment Partners With Qloo for Jetset AI IFE

Thanks to a partnership with Qloo, a young tech company that counts Leonardo DiCaprio and Elton John as investors, content service provider West Entertainment can deliver data-driven intelligence around passenger preferences to airlines looking to bolster their content strategies. The artificial intelligence (AI) platform can predict consumers’ tastes in entertainment, dining, fashion, consumer products, travel and more. Kate Groth, West Entertainment president, encourages interested parties to connect with her company at FTE APEX Virtual Expo next week to see how collecting viewership data can accurately predict tastes.

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Delta Plans Quarantine-Free Flights to Rome

Passengers flying between Atlanta and Rome on Delta Air Lines will not be required to quarantine upon arrival in Europe under a new testing plan. Travelers will be required to test negative on a PCR screening within 72 hours of departure and to pass rapid tests administered before and after the flight. But don’t start planning that Roman Christmas holiday just yet; the flights remain limited to US citizens flying for essential reasons or European Union citizens returning home. The program launches December 19.

Delta Air Lines | Related Oliver Wyman leading the business plan for new Alitalia – Consultancy Europe

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dnata Launches Dedicated In-Flight Retail Program

Building on the momentum of a reinvented onboard sales environment, global air services provider dnata is launching a dedicated retail center of excellence to serve its airline customers around the globe. The new unit will deliver tailor-made onboard retail programs and innovative solutions for airline customers, supporting efforts to maximize onboard ancillary revenue and enhance passenger satisfaction. The new team will be headquartered in London and led by Alan Hayes, who currently leads retail for dnata’s UK catering operation and has managed retail programs for some of Europe’s largest carriers for more than 15 years.

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Air Astana Launches Premium Economy Cabin on Embraer Fleet

Short-haul passengers on Air Astana now have an option for premium economy seating on the carrier’s Embraer 190 fleet. The new offering promises to cut prices on the business-class cabin it replaces by 35% while still delivering the same earning rates in the company’s frequent flyer program. It will also include an upgraded meal featuring "an extensive range of local and international refreshments” and an increased baggage allowance of two 32kg bags.

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ScootHub Takes In-Flight Commerce Fully Digital

Singapore low-cost carrier Scoot is shifting its onboard shopping experience to a fully digital model with the launch of ScootHub next month. The new portal, backed by hardware from AirFi, will launch with a return of buy-on-board food and beverage services. Later, the duty-free shopping catalog will transition to a digital experience. The company also has high hopes for geo-specific marketing opportunities, with intentions to sell destination-based activities through the ScootHub portal in 2021. This will include the ability for advertising partners to pin points of interest on the moving map display, with commissionable sales links attached.

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Embraer Offers HEPA Filters for E145s

Following a recent Service Bulletin from Embraer, 70 HEPA filters are due to be delivered to operators of its ERJ 145 aircraft by mid-December. The OEM is also hoping to expand the upgraded air filter system offering across its ERJ 135 and ERJ 140 variants “very soon.” Johann Bordais, president and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, explained, “Given the moment we are living, developing a HEPA filter service bulletin for the ERJ 145 is a must-have solution Embraer developed for making cabin conditions even safer for passengers.”

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Laura Owens’ I 🍕 NY ceramic mosaic occupies LaGuardia's largest interior wall with iconic New York imagery such as an ice cream truck and a hot dog.

The photo essay featured in the latest issue of APEX Experience magazine takes a close look at the dazzling artwork that fills the new Terminal B at LGA.

> Tweet of the Day

We are bringing our famous signature blueberry juice drink to travel-thirsty grounded customers. The blueberry juice drink will be on sale for fans at 300 K-group grocery stores in Finland from December.

Finnair @Finnair

Association News

AirAsia’s Sereen Teoh Explains Why She’s Excited About Blockchain

Biggie, AirAsia BIG Loyalty’s new mascot, was inspired by the bargain-hunting ways of its chief financial officer (CFO), Sereen Teoh, who worked in the banking industry for eight years before joining the company. As a strong believer in digitization, Teoh believes that blockchain technology could help to transform BIG Points into a borderless digital currency across ASEAN. Find out how by reading the full Q&A here.

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.

> Quote of the Day

"One day, I hope our mission statement will change from promoting diversity in aviation to just promoting aviation."

Courtland Savage, Fly For The Culture
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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