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December 14, 2020

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Today's Top Stories

Air India Taps Aeroplay for IFE Management

Fresh off its deal to provide boarding music for Malaysia Airlines, boutique content service provider Aeroplay announced it will supply Air India with in-flight entertainment (IFE) in the form of movies and TV shows. Passengers will be able to enjoy content courtesy of Aeroplay’s global studio partnerships in a variety of languages, including nine Indian languages. Prakash Johari, Aeroplay’s CEO and managing director, said that while both companies have worked together before, “this [contract] will help us to better understand the responsibilities of the national carrier of India.”

Aeroplay Media | Related Malaysia Airlines Integrates Diverse Traditional Musical Instruments in its New Boarding Music jointly with Aeroplay Entertainment – Aeroplay Media

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APEX Decides on Standard for HDR Content at Virtual Expo

With high dynamic range (HDR) video growing in popularity with consumers, the APEX Technology Committee approved a new technical specification for HDR content destined for in-flight entertainment screens at FTE APEX Virtual Expo last week. Juraj Siska, cofounder and CEO of IdeaNova Technologies, and a member of the committee’s HDR Working Group, says that airlines contemplating a hardware upgrade should consider HDR-capable displays: “HDR just looks better.” This article originally appeared in Expo Daily Experience. Read the full issues and register for FTE APEX Virtual Expo — the platform will remain open as a resource until January 8.

APEX Media | Related APEX TECH AGENDA

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Changing Spaces: Airport Terminals of The Future

With no universal infrastructure to speed up passenger processing, an overall lack of harmonization still plagues the aviation industry. To avoid queues at the airport, experts believe that more elements of the pre-travel journey will have to take place off-site, such as check-in and baggage drop off. IATA’s and Airports Council International’s NEXTT initiative aims to make these developments a reality, but first off-site partnerships need to be forged and governments have to agree to standards for biometric data exchange. “The regulatory regime very much dictates or throttles your innovation,” said Mike Byrom, VP Airport Services at Spirit Airlines. This article originally appeared in Expo Daily Experience. Read the full issues and register for FTE APEX Virtual Expo — the platform will remain open as a resource until January 8.

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Star Alliance and Amadeus Partner to Streamline ID Process

Two biometrics programs are joining forces to make touchless journeys a reality for more travelers. Those enrolled in Star Alliance Biometrics or in Amadeus Traveler ID will not have to provide their identification details on multiple occasions now that both digital identity programs are harmonized. Star Alliance Biometrics, which launched last month, allows travelers to pass through curb-to-gate touchpoints at airports thanks to facial recognition. Monika Wiederhold, EVP Airlines Central & Eastern Europe, Amadeus, highlighted that collaboration is central to her company’s mission of frictionless travel: “The Traveler ID solution is agnostic, meaning that all types of travel companies can work with us for a variety of digital identity needs.”

Star Alliance | Related Amadeus invests in Airside – Passenger Terminal Today

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VSS Unity Test Flight Foiled by Engine Problem

On Saturday morning, Virgin Galactic’s spacecraft VSS Unity did not venture towards the farther reaches of the atmosphere as planned after its engine cut out moments after ignition. The company’s first powered test flight at its New Mexico base was aborted and both pilots proceeded to glide the plane down safely. It is unclear how the failed mission will affect Virgin Galactic’s operations timeline; the company had planned to perform another test flight before kicking off commercial operations in 2021, when Richard Branson and 600 other cosmonauts will embark on their journey. Previous glide flights were successful.

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Idemia Biometric Solutions Will Launch in Iceland Next Year

Authorities in Iceland, including airport operator Isavia, have chosen Idemia to supply border management equipment for all air and sea border crossing points. This includes the company’s Augmented Borders security management suite, biometric self-service kiosks, electronic gates and more. The move brings Iceland in compliance with new EU Entry/Exit System regulations that require Schengen nations to record the entry, exit and refusal of entry information of non-EU nationals. The legislation will come into force in 2022.

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British Airways Brings Hydrogen-Electric Firm Zeroavia Under its Wing

What would it take for an airline to move away from fossil fuels and operate a fleet powered by hydrogen? That’s what British Airways (BA) is asking as it partners with hydrogen-electric aviation solutions firm Zeroavia as part of its Hangar 51 accelerator program. BA says the collaboration will be “embedded in the heart of the airline” as it seeks to scale up both parties’ research and findings. Sean Doyle, the airline’s CEO, noted that BA intends on achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Zeroavia hopes to develop hydrogen engines capable of flying 100-seater aircraft 500 miles by 2027.

Business Traveller | Related ZeroAvia Completes World First Hydrogen-Electric Passenger Plane Flight – PR Newswire

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

An enchanting Boeing 747 belonging to Garuda Indonesia. Captured by @black_fdz (via Instagram).

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

> Tweet of the Day

Nothing beats the winter blues better than melted cheese, especially when it's served in baked potatoes. Meet Pataclette® As part of @FlySWISS' #SWISSSaveurs program, @RetailinMotion is bringing #raclette as finger food to all the cheese lovers onboard SWISS flights from Geneva

Retail inMotion @RetailinMotion

Association News

One-Minute Survey: Share Your Thoughts on Virtual Expo!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Virtual Expo and contributed to making it our biggest-ever event! This extends to all speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and attendees – your participation and engagement in the exhibition, conference and virtual networking sessions brought the industry together again. We greatly appreciate your feedback as all views and opinions are invaluable in helping us maintain and enhance the quality of our future events. If you have a minute, please complete the online feedback form and share any ideas for improvement.

> Quote of the Day

“Blockchain needs to be part of a broader solution to bring true business value.”

Mike Maxwell Digital Security Solutions
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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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