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December 14, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Thales Announces AA as Launch Customer for Optiq IFE Displays

American Airlines (AA) is to install Thales’ latest AVANT in-flight entertainment (IFE) solution on its incoming Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 fleets, which are scheduled to enter service in 2023. This will make AA the launch customer for Thales’ new line of Optiq 4K high dynamic range (HDR) seatback screens that are enhanced with Samsung’s proprietary QLED technology. Premium-class travelers will enjoy 17-inch displays alongside a five-inch touchscreen handset, while premium economy and economy class will feature 13.3-inch displays and 11.6-inch displays, respectively.

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Delta Air Lines Invests $1.2 billion in Partner Network

Delta Air Lines is investing approximately $1.2 billion in partner airlines Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico and LATAM as each one emerges from restructuring or recapitalization. The carrier is aiming for a 20% equity stake in Aeromexico and a 10% equity stake in LATAM. It will maintain a 49% equity stake in Virgin Atlantic. Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, said, “These strategic investments in our partners will transform our ability to improve the travel experience for our customers, enabling us to deliver a seamless travel experience alongside offering an unrivalled network.”

Delta Air Lines | Related Newest Delta Sky Club in Detroit boasts local flair with ‘Motor City’ art, premium beverages – Delta Air Lines

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ZeroAvia Scores Investment, Potential Order from United

ZeroAvia has secured an additional $35 million in funding, bringing its total investment to $115 million. The company now counts United Airlines among its investors, which anticipates making an order for 50 ZA2000-RJ engines plus options for a further 50. ZeroAvia aims to bring its hydrogen propulsion technology to market for 10-20 seat aircraft with a range of 500 nautical miles in 2024. This latest funding will target 40-80 seat aircraft, including turboprops by 2026 and regional jets by 2028. It will also allow the company to ramp up its presence across its US, UK and Europe.

PR Newswire | Related United Airlines to buy 100, 19-seat electric planes from Heart Aerospace – Reuters

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EASA Approves Certification Plan for Inflight Canada’s P2F Cargo System

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has agreed to a certification plan for Inflight Canada’s “reversible” P2F Cargo System, marking a step toward the product gaining a supplemental type certificate. “With our new and unique “reversible” P2F Cargo System design, airlines will no longer have to rely on the existing Emergency Exemptions issued by the Airworthiness Authorities allowing them to carry hand-strapped cargo in the passenger cabins,” said Inflight Canada’s general manager, George Smallhorn. The company hopes to install the first system on an Airbus A340-600 aircraft in February 2022.

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Oman Air Enters Service Agreement with Paule Maxence Lounge

A new service agreement means that Oman Air’s business-class passengers and Sindbad Gold tier members can gain complimentary access to the Paul Maxence Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. The carrier’s economy-class customers can also purchase access to the lounge for $70. The lounge, located in Terminal 2A, features an à la carte menu prepared to Halal-certified standards, shower facilities, an outdoor smoking terrace and a prayer room. The agreement coincided with Oman Air’s resumption of flights between Muscat and Paris Charles de Gaulle on October 31.

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Inflyter, Servy Form Strategic Partnership

Servy and Inflyter have formed a strategic partnership to provide a fully integrated e-commerce platform allowing travelers to shop with and pre-order from all retailers and brands at a certain airport. It will offer in-store collection and delivery to a certain gate or lounge. “With purchases and time at the airport being increasingly planned, we know travelers want to have advance access to an integrated digital shopping solution to help them reduce stress before departure,” explained Wassim Saadé, Inflyter’s founder and CEO. The partnership support the ambition of both companies to grow across the EMEA region.

Aviation Pros | Related Servy platform makes Canadian debut at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport – Moodie Davitt Report

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Chris VandenBerg Becomes Panasonic Avionics’ Chief Engineer, Software

Chris VandenBerg has been appointed as Panasonic Avionics’ Chief Engineer, Software. He is rejoining Panasonic Avionics, where he worked from 2004 to 2016, from Safran Passenger Innovations, where he was Technical Fellow – Head of Software Architecture from 2019. Reporting to CTO Joe Bentley, VandenBerg will lead a global team as well as acting as the company’s primary technical contact with customers. “Chris has a wealth of experience in software design and development and is highly knowledgeable in delivering a final production product from its concept phase,” said Bentley.

Panasonic Avionics | Related SIA Unifies Fleet-Wide IFEC Offering by Choosing Panasonic Avionics’ eX1 System for Boeing 737-8s – APEX Media

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Face to face with an Air Corsica A320neo at Paris Orly! Captured by @inspiration.of.aviation

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

> Tweet of the Day

New: @AmericanAir CEO Doug Parker to tell Congress Wednesday $54 billion in COVID-19 government payroll assistance “saved the airline industry”

davidshepardson @davidshepardson

Association News

Business Insider Explores APEX WORLD CLASS Awards

Read this Business Insider article to find out more about the first seven airline recipients of the new APEX WORLD CLASS awards, created in collaboration with Yates and Partners to to recognize excellence across a range of different metrics including safety, wellbeing, sustainability, service, brand integrity, space and comfort and more.

> Quote of the Day

“We’re truly excited to provide these solutions to American and its customers.”

Yannick Assouad, Thales
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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