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December 18, 2020

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Today's Top Stories

OneWeb Launches 36 More Satellites into Orbit

Just under one month since its acquisition by the UK Government and Bharti Telecom, OneWeb returned to flight this morning with the launch and deployment of 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. There are now 110 OneWeb satellites that are part of the company’s constellation, and 538 remaining to complete phase one of its fleet launch. OneWeb is on track to offer high-speed, low-latency connectivity to customers in the UK, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Seas, and Canada in 2021. Global service will be online in 2022.

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How COVID-19 is Affecting Biometrics in Aviation

Representatives from Delta Air Lines, Star Alliance, NEC and more participated in the two-part Biometrics Summit at FTE APEX Virtual Expo. They tackled topics such as data protection, privacy, how face masks are affecting facial recognition technology and whether health passports can be integrated into biometrics services. 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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Airline Customer Satisfaction Higher than Ever, Survey Says

In a special COVID-19 travel report produced by the American Customer Satisfaction Index, airline customers revealed that they are more pleased now with their experience than ever before. Airlines were the only travel industry in the report that saw an improvement in customer satisfaction, continuing a two-year-long trend. Southwest scored highest in the survey, followed by Delta and Alaska airlines. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier and Spirit also achieved record-high levels of satisfaction.

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Stellar Appoints Sam Allen as Managing Director

Sam Allen, head of Licensing at Stellar Entertainment (Stellar), is to become managing director in January 2021, but will continue to manage the company’s licensing and acquisitions team in his new role. In addition, he will also advance Stellar’s strategic objectives and lead the company’s production arm, Stellar Studios. “Sam has been with Stellar for eight years and I am proud to see his growth not just in his skills and experience but much more his passion,” said Stellar’s founder and chairman, Rob Lynch.

Stellar Group | Related What We’re Made Of: Sam Allen, Stellar Entertainment – APEX Media

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Finnair is Sprinting Toward New Innovations

According to Finnair’s head of Digital Commerce, Esamatti Vuolle, his team’s method of adhering to a rolling 12-week planning cycle, broken down into two-week development sprints, allows it to stay agile and innovative. Vuolle believes that Finnair’s resilience throughout COVID-19 is due to these practices, which have been in place since the carrier took control of “the whole end-to-end customer journey” on its digital channels three years ago. 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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VTOL: There’s a Map for That

FlightPath3D’s new in-flight map specifically designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) applications is now available. VTOL flights tend to take off and land at locations other than airports, meaning the company’s traditional map required additional intelligence. FlightPath3D CEO Boris Veksler said its in-flight VTOL 3D Map application “upgraded satellite resolution imagery to zoom down to [24 inches]” and features dynamic routing that alerts passengers any time the pilot changes course. While helicopters are the initial market focus for this product, VTOL and self-piloted electric vehicles are being touted as the future of urban travel.

FlightPath3D | Related Volocopter’s Flight Path Takes Shape – APEX Media

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New Fittings from CIT Ready for ARINC 792

Earlier this week, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CIT) announced it received a patent for its third generation of ARINC 791/792 Adjustable Fittings. The product features Z-Axis adjustability that ensures the lowest possible installation height for ESA applications and supports ARINC 791 to 792 conversion. Because they do not require special tools or match drilling, the new adjustable fittings reduce labor costs. Chris Rawley, product line manager, Aircraft Connectivity Solutions at CIT, is confident that the product can “meet the evolving needs of aircraft developers, withstand harsh and demanding environments, and support innovation across the aerospace industry.”

Carlisle Interconnect | Related Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CIT) launches European web store – Satellite Evolution

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

The descent into Innsbruck is one of the most dramatic approaches in Europe. Captured in Austria by @rkellenaers_photography (via Instagram).

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

> Tweet of the Day

This challenging year required us to rethink the travel experience, ensuring our customers’ and employees’ safety while providing a comfortable journey. We’re honoured to be recognized with a Five Star rating in the Global Airline category by @theAPEXassoc

Air Canada @AirCanada

Association News

Watch the Virtual Expo Recap Video

Did you know that 4,092 FTE APEX Virtual Expo attendees from 109 countries made 19,623 booth visits during the conference's live days? Check out all the highlights of this groundbreaking event by watching this five-minute recap video. The virtual event platform will remain open until 23:59 GMT on January 8: access the portal at your leisure to watch conference presentations and supplier pitch sessions, and revisit the exhibition hall to learn about the products and services that can help you overcome today’s challenges, reinvent your business and thrive in the post-COVID-19 world.

> Quote of the Day

“Poorly managed disruptions are the number one reason for passengers choosing not to fly with an airline.”

Sveinn Akerlie, WOW air
Read the article

Until next week

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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