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December 6, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

BA to Trial New Technology for Travelers Using BSL

On the International Day of People with Disabilities, British Airways announced a new partnership with SignLive, becoming the first UK airline to trial video service for travelers that use British Sign Language (BSL). The platform allows passengers to contact the airline through SignLive’s Community Directory and provides information and support about their journey, customer service queries, booking flights, pre-booking seating and providing permission for service dogs to travel in the cabin. The carrier launched a specialist accessibility team in 2019 to focus on sustainability, diversity and inclusion.

British Airways | Related How airlines are making travel easier for autistic passengers – National Geographic

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Airbus Readies A321XLR for Flight Test

Airbus is nearing completion of the first A321XLR, its long-range narrow-body jet, which is set to begin testing next year for a 2023 entry into service. The aircraft was built at the Hamburg Finkenwerder facility, where two additional flight-test aircraft are also being built, but Airbus does plan to produce A321XLRs on other assembly lines. The XLR will have a 4,700nm range and a larger waste-water tank than other A321 models. However, the production of the XLR is similar, with only minor differences where the rear center tank is installed.

Airways Magazine | Related Pratt to announce update of A320neo engine with more thrust – Reuters

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2022 Crystal Cabin Award Now Open for Submissions

The Crystal Cabin Award 2022 is now open for submissions until February 6, 2022. The awards have eight categories, including “Cabin Concepts,” which addresses cabin innovation, submitted entirely or by class; and the “Sustainable Cabin” category, introduced this year to look at entrants’ contributions to the transformation of the aviation sector towards its goal of reaching zero-emissions in the next 30 years. Additional categories include “Cabin Systems,” “Health & Safety,” “IFEC & Digital Services,” “Material and Components,” “Passenger Comfort” and “University”. The awards will be presented in person at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.

Crystal Cabin Award | Related Airplane cabin concepts that could change flying: Crystal Cabin Awards 2020 – CNN

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Delta Airlines and Hallmark Partner on Holiday IFE

Delta Airlines and Hallmark are continuing their partnership, with Delta offering six of Hallmark’s holiday films on its in-flight entertainment (IFE) platform this season. The Hallmark films added to Delta’s holiday collection are A Christmas Tree Grows in Colorado, A Nashville Christmas Carol, Christmas Waltz, The Christmas House, Christmas Town and Love, Lights, Hanukkah! The Hallmark films join other holiday classics being offered by the airline, including A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, The Holiday and more. In addition to watching holiday movies, passengers will also have the option to listen to festive music playlists onboard.

Travel Pulse | Related Peloton classes are coming to your next Delta flight – CNN

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Finnair Set to Restart Travel Retail Service

On December 1, Finnair restarted its travel retail service with a renewed pre-order offering. Its new luxury range is inspired by Nordic design and sustainability with items from brands including Makia, which makes bags out of recycled material; Rokua, organic skincare for men; and Het-kinen, organic pine lip balm. Passengers can pre-order products before their journey or pre-order in-flight for their return journey via Finnair’s Nordic Sky internet portal. The focus on pre-order is meant to reduce aircraft weight, thereby reducing emissions. The service is available on the carrier's intercontinental and European flights.

Onboard Hospitality | Related Goodbye Paper: Are Digital Inflight Magazines The Future? – Simple Flying

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UK Unveils Zero-Carbon Hydrogen-Driven Aircraft Concept

The Airspace Technology Institute, along with aerospace and aviation experts, has introduced a concept for an aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen that will accommodate 279 passengers. The zero-carbon, non-stop jet will be able to fly halfway around the globe with a single stop to refuel and uses technologies including wings without fuel tanks (dry wings), cryogenic fuel systems, hydrogen tanks, fuel cells and electrical power systems, and hydrogen gas turbines. The aircraft, FlyZero, requires infrastructure and ground equipment to be developed in conjunction to advance the project.

Airport Technology | Related Why Boeing Isn’t Focusing On Hydrogen As A Fuel – Simple Flying

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Bucher Supplies Galleys for First Cebu Pacific A330neo

Bucher has shipped the first set of fully customized galleys, stowages, foghouses and partition walls to Airbus for integration into its newly delivered A330-900neo, the first of 16 Cebu Pacific has on order. The company has designed compressed galleys made of aluminium that are lightweight and reliable to enable the airline to maximize seating capacity. Bucher said it has “expanded its product offering to also include composite and carbon fibre materials, thus allowing the company to easily and efficiently adapt its products to meet individual customer requirements.”

Aviation Business News | Related Diehl dives into data exchange standards with CANSAS cabin platform – Runway Girl Network

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Head on with one of Air Canada’s A220 being followed by a WestJet 787. Captured by @torontoplanespotter

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

> Tweet of the Day

Up early racing company metal into Atlanta (spoiler alert: my flight touched down first) Airplane #FlyDeltaJets

Jamar Harrison @mar_mar

Association News

Catch Up on All the News from Last Week's APEX/IFSA EXPO

The 2021 APEX/IFSA EXPO in Long Beach, California last week saw attendance from 1,000 delegates across 41 countries. Many of the airlines and exhibitors at the show shared exciting news about their latest contracts, products and services. Click here for a recap on all the stories shared by APEX Media.

> Quote of the Day

"A lot of the methods that are currently in place were designed in the 1960s, so we need to reinvent ourselves. It’s time to rethink our value proposition."

Dr. Stathis Kefallonitis, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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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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