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December 15, 2021

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Today's Top Stories

Flair Airlines Announces Plans to Lease 14 Boeing 737 MAX 8s

Flair Airlines is to lease 14 single-class, 189-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8s in a bid to grow its fleet to 30 aircraft by mid-2023 and to 50 by 2025. The carrier currently has 12 jets in service and will operate 20 by summer 2022. Stephen Jones, Flair Airlines’ CEO, explained, “We’re on a mission to deliver low fares to Canadians and flying a state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX fleet means we can do this at the lowest passenger-mile cost in Canada, and with the lowest carbon emissions of any Canadian carrier.” The aircraft are in addition to 13 of the type purchased by Flair Airlines in January.

Flair Airlines | Related Flair Airlines on a roll with plans to more than double fleet by 2023 – Skies Magazine

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Virgin Australia Reveals New Business-, Economy-Class Menus

From tomorrow, Virgin Australia will offer international passengers refreshed business- and economy-class menus. Business-class dishes include chicken tagine, burrito power bowls and new pasta dishes. The airline is also doubling its sparkling wine offering in response to passenger feedback. The buy-on-board menu in economy class will feature fresh wraps, sandwiches and hot pies, as well as retro snacks such as Violet Crumbles and Cheezels. Cheese and crackers, which continue to be the most-purchased item in economy class, will also return to the skies.

Virgin Australia | Related From smashed avo to scones, here is Virgin Australia’s new lounge menu – Virgin Australia

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US Justice Department Wants to Push Ahead with Northeast Alliance Lawsuit

The US Justice Department has said that an antitrust lawsuit regarding the “Northeast Alliance” between American Airlines and JetBlue Airways should go ahead despite a bid for dismissal by the carriers. A court filing said the alliance “seeks to accomplish through a joint venture what would not be tolerated as a merger: eliminating significant competition between a dominant airline and a uniquely disruptive competitor ... Instead of fighting with JetBlue, American now seeks to co-opt it.” The lawsuit, filed by the US government and six US states, is set to go to trial in late September 2022.

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Hudson Introduces Amazon One Palm Recognition Service at DAL

Hudson has become the first travel retailer to introduce palm recognition service, Amazon One. The system, which is powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology and offers travelers the option to pay with a credit or debit card or by hovering their palm over an Amazon One device, is installed at the Hudson Nonstop store at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). First-time Amazon One users can connect a credit or debit card to their palm signature at an enrolment kiosk outside the shop. The card linked to their palm will be charged when the passenger leaves with their items.

The Moodie Davitt Report | Related Airport retailer deploys MishiPay mobile self-checkout – Retail Customer Experience

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Star Alliance Launches Paid Lounge Access Programme

Star Alliance is utilizing Canada-based IEG’s LoungeAtlas software product to offer options for members who would otherwise not qualify for access to its lounges. As a result, customers can now purchase access to the 450-square-meter Star Alliance lounge at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires for themselves and for others during a joint trip. The lounge features a variety of seating, complimentary refreshments from the self-service buffet and a shower suite. Travelers will receive a discount if they are members of a frequent flyer program of a Star Alliance member carrier.

Aviation 24 | Related Austrian launches Star Alliance biometric platform at Vienna Airport – Future Travel Experience

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JFK to Build $9.5B International Terminal by 2030

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is set to build a privately financed, $9.5-billion international terminal by 2030. The 222,300-meter-square facility will be equipped with 23 gates and provide a touchless passenger journey using biometrics and other digital technology. The concourse will feature high ceilings, natural light, interior green spaces and exhibits featuring New York landmarks and local artists. It will host locally inspired restaurateurs, craft beverage options and Taste NY stores. Construction will begin next year.

Passenger Terminal Today | Related San Diego Airport begins work on $3.4bn terminal project – Airport Technology

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QACC Charts Recovery from the Pandemic

Qatar Airways’ catering subsidiary, Qatar Aircraft Catering Company (QACC), has prepared over 16 million meals for passengers travelling onboard Qatar Airways, Qatar Executive and other airlines departing from Hamad International Airport this year. It is currently serving more than 100,000 meals per day, which reflects Qatar Airways’ recovery from COVID-19. Sascha Von Wolfersdorf, QACC’s acting SVP Catering Services, said, “I am ... confident we will see further growth. This is why we have invested in plans for a second unit that will involve acquiring and installing new production lines.”

Aircraft Interiors International | Related Qatar Airways will donate up to 300kg of surplus food daily – Business Traveller

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Southwest Airlines' Arizona one livery seen at Chicago O'Hare. Captured by @chexp77w

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

> Tweet of the Day

Planning for a group? We have good news! The United app has a new trip planning feature that allows you to select flights that you can share with members of your traveling party.

United Airlines @united

Association News

Catch Up on All the News from 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

“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.”

George Smallhorn, Inflight Canada
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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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