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December 2, 2020

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Today's Top Stories

The Hands-Off Passenger Journey

Airlines and airports are working to ensure customer and employee safety by removing the touch from touchpoints. Innovations meant to minimize contact include app-based ordering at airport restaurants and contactless elevator buttons at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which are activated with a wave of a hand. ANA was inspired by touchless door innovations at Haneda Airport to trial an elbow-powered doorknob for aircraft lavatories, developed in collaboration with JAMCO. This article originally appeared in the Expo Daily Experience. Read the full issue and register for FTE APEX Virtual Expo.

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Avalon Selects Recaro BL3530 for 20 Aircraft

Aircraft leasing company Avalon will take 20 shipsets of the BL3530 economy class seat through Recaro’s “Sprint” program. Under the program, Recaro is able to provide a basic configuration seating solution to aircraft owners in just two months. Buyers can choose from a handful of colors and the seats are available for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 family aircraft. The Avalon order covers 15 A320s and five 737s.

Aviation Business News | Related Recaro Aircraft Seating reveals KLM Royal Dutch Airlines as the new launch customer for SL3710 seat on Embraer and Boeing aircraft – Aviator

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EasyJet Shrinks Cabin Baggage Allowance

Calling it a push for more timely operations, easyJet limited the complimentary baggage allowance for passengers to only an under-seat bag, rather than one for under the seat and one sized for the overhead bins. Passengers who want to carry a larger bag on board must opt for an extra legroom or “up front” seat, which comes at a premium. Travelers on FLEXI fares and easyJet Plus cardholders are exempt from the limitation, although the airline makes clear this is “subject to available locker space.”

The Guardian | Related British Airways announces double checked-in baggage allowance from India – Business Traveller

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Etihad Adds Digital Publication Access With PressReader

Etihad passengers will have access to more than 7,000 newspapers and magazines from 120 countries and in 60 languages. The carrier is partnering with PressReader to deliver the content up to 30 hours prior to departure. The publications are accessed via the Etihad app and can be read any time, anywhere, including after travel is completed. A subset of the collection is also available on the airline’s in-seat IFE system. “As part of our commitment to reducing the spread of COVID-19, we removed high-touch surfaces including printed newspapers and magazines from the customer journey and enhanced the experience by partnering with PressReader,” noted Terry Daly, executive director, Guest Experience, Brand & Marketing, Etihad Aviation Group.

PressReader | Related 100 Solutions to Pandemic Problems, Part 2: Entertainment & Connectivity – APEX Media

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Boeing in Talks With Several Airlines for its Wireless IFE Platform

Boeing is offering new hardware for airlines looking to address in-flight connectivity (IFE) pain points: an overhead-bin retrofit called Boeing Digital Direct. It can deliver IFE to passengers in the form of video, reading material and games, regardless of the aircraft. The service also includes a COVID-19 channel where airlines can share safety guidelines and updates, and can support in-flight retail integration. "Boeing Digital Direct is uniquely built upon Immfly’s digital creativity, media sales and advertising strength," says Boeing spokesperson Brian Rantala, adding that the company is in discussion with several potential airline customers.

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Honeywell Aims to Reduce Cabin Odors

Drawing in certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from bleed air systems can lead to undesirable “smell-in-cabin” events, causing delays and increasing airlines’ expenses. Honeywell’s fourth-generation Combined Hydrocarbon Ozone Catalyst, CHOC4, has proven capable of removing two to three times more VOCs that cause undesired odors compared with other solutions, and is now available for airlines to install on board. It can be applied during normal maintenance as an upgrade to the existing converter unit at a fraction of the cost of a new unit. It is available for Airbus A320 aircraft, with plans to expand to additional platforms in early 2021.

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SWISS Adds Michelin-Starred Premium Cabin Dining

First- and business-class travelers on SWISS have a new set of options for dining developed by Michelin-starred chef Alexandra Müller of the Romantik Hôtel L’Etoile in Charmey, Canton Fribourg, Switzerland. Chef Müller focuses on local ingredients and flavors. The first-class entrée option of venison with a Cuchaule crust and Botzi pear is a well-known Canton Fribourg delicacy. And passengers in both cabins have the choice of several cheeses from local fromageries. The new menu will be on offer through May 2021.

The Design Air | Related Lufthansa Sells part of LSG Catering Unit to Swiss-based gategroup – Aviation Pros

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Jeppe Hein's whimsical benches form one part of his piece called All Your Wishes, turning a functional object into a lyrical and evocative work of art.

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

Waiting to board this @AmericanAir @boeing 737Max. This demo flight is essentially the first time anyone from the public has flown a Max since it was grounded in March 2019. More on @CBSEveningNews and @CBSThisMorning

Kris Van Cleave @krisvancleave

Association News

Early Results of Intelsat IFC Survey Revealed, Still Time to Fill it Out

As Intelsat expands its influence in the IFC sector, the company launched a survey that asks aviation industry stakeholders how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting passenger demand and IFC requirements. You can still weigh in and earn the chance to win one of five $50 Amazon gift cards. Early results show that 62% of respondents believe that the quality of in-flight connectivity is a differentiating factor for their airline, and that the largest impediments to increasing IFC take up rates are Wi-Fi session price, poor experience and ease of getting connected. The full results will be revealed at FTE APEX Virtual Expo during a panel discussion taking place on December 8 at 1:30 p.m. GMT.

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 features speaker insights, conference sessions, trending topics and exhibitor news – which is where you come in. Send your announcements to editor@apex.aero and they may be included in the upcoming issues, which will be published digitally on December 8 and 10.

Learn More About Ed Bastian, 2020 APEX Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, in Expo Daily Experience

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian isn't one to toe the line; but then again, good leaders rarely do. In the preview edition of Expo Daily Experience you'll find a C-Suite profile that showcases the values that the 2020 APEX Lifetime Achievement Award recipient holds close to his heart: dignity, service and community inclusiveness. Don't miss the award ceremony on December 9 at 8:30 p.m. GMT, as well as a fireside chat between Bastian and APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader on December 8 at 4:00 p.m. GMT, both streaming during FTE APEX Virtual Expo. Register now!

> Quote of the Day

“Last year, we opened a best-in-class sensory room for special-needs children and adults – and we’ve kept it open during the pandemic.”

Bob Kerlik, PIT
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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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