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December 23, 2021

Republic Airways to Purchase up to 200 Eve eVTOLs

Republic Airways is to purchase up to 200 of Eve’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The companies will now establish a working group to study the requirements of Airline Operating Certificates where Eve’s aircraft can be deployed. They will initially focus on developing a network across the Central and East Coast US. Bryan Bedford, president and CEO at Republic Airways, said, “Republic’s commitment to provide sustainable aviation solutions to our codeshare partners … relies on investments in workforce development and emerging clean technologies.”

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SWISS Hosts Fourth Flying Film Festival On-board

In addition to regular in-flight entertainment programming, long-haul Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) passengers can access a selection of 13 documentary films from around the world until January 31 as part of the carrier’s fourth “Flying Film Festival.” Inaugurated in 2015 by SWISS and filmmakers Francesca Scalisi and Mark Olexa, the festival is held every two years with the aim of showcasing young directors’ work to a broader audience. At the end of the festival, a judging panel will present “Golden Wings” and “Silver Wings” awards to the two best films.

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Etihad Divests Support Businesses to Focus on Airline

Etihad Airways is divesting several businesses. Etihad Engineering, Etihad Airport Services Cargo, Etihad Airport Services Ground, Etihad Aviation Training, Etihad Secure Logistics and Etihad Technical Training will join ADQ’s mobility and logistics portfolio. Etihad Airport Services Catering will combine with Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company’s (ADNEC) Capital Hospitality, and Etihad Holidays will join ADNEC’s Tourism 365 business. Tony Douglas, Etihad Aviation Group CEO, said, “The agreement marks a significant milestone in how we are repositioning Etihad Airways and our subsidiaries for long-term success.”

Emirates News Agency | Related Etihad Airways celebrates UAE’s ‘Year of the Fiftieth’ with Manish Malhotra – Business Traveller

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TSA to Test Apple Wallet IDs from Next February

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will test the use of Apple Wallet IDs at two airports in February. If successful, pilot programs will be rolled out in two more states the following month. This will make the Apple Wallet the first digital ID supported by the TSA, but the program is expected to expand to other platforms in the future. A recap from a recent Secure Technology Alliance event stated, “Instead of TSA staff examining a physical ID card, manually comparing a traveler’s ID photo to their face and verifying flight information, a machine will automate the process.”

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Lufthansa Group Announces Senior Leadership Changes

Jens Ritter will replace Klaus Froese as Lufthansa Airlines’ CEO from April 1, 2022. Ritter became Eurowings’ COO and a member of the airline’s executive board in April 2021. He previously served as COO and member of the executive board of Austrian Airlines. Annette Mann, who is currently head of Corporate Responsibility at Lufthansa Group, will become CEO at Austrian Airlines from March 1, 2022. She succeeds Dr. Alexis von Hoensbroech, who is becoming CEO at WestJet. Finally, Dr. Jörg Beißel, Lufthansa Group’s head of Corporate Controlling, will assume the position of CFO of Lufthansa Airlines.

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ICCR Requests Only Indian Music is Played on Indian Flights

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has submitted a memorandum to Jyotiraditya Scindia, the country’s Civil Aviation Minister, demanding that only classical or instrumental Indian music be played on flights being operated in India and at airports in the country. The move comes following a Memorandum of Understanding between the ICCR and Prasar Bharati to promote Indian culture. ICCR president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe commented that the music played by most airlines is often related to their country, but that this is not the case for most Indian airlines.

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Virgin Atlantic Creates Festive Menu for Passengers

From December 24-26, Virgin Atlantic is offering all passengers a festive menu featuring roast turkey with all the trimmings or a cranberry and thyme crusted salmon fillet. For afters, the airline is serving a chocolate log and a cheese platter. Each passenger will also receive a mince pie and a Lindt chocolate bear. To celebrate New Year, passengers on select flights will receive champagne and a milk chocolate star at midnight. Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s chief customer and operating officer, said, “Many of our customers are flying to reunite with friends and family, so it’s important to we make this a special experience.”

Inflight Online | Related Virgin Atlantic gets £400m injection as airlines battle Omicron gloom – The Guardian

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

One of Japan Airlines' "Everyone's 2020 Jet" liveries for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Captured by @tea_whai

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

> Tweet of the Day

Santa’s transponder is on and the reindeer are off on a test flight. Keep tabs on Santa and his crew and follow his flight around the world on Christmas Eve: https://flightradar24.com/R3DN053/2a47aa0e

Flightradar24 @flightradar24

Association News

Turkish Airlines' İlker Aycı Receives APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award

At last week's APEX/IFSA EXPO, Turkish Airlines' Chairman and CEO İlker Aycı became the first European recipient of the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, an accolade reserved for members of the industry that have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the enhancement of the airline passenger experience. Find out more about how Aycı's career with Turkish Airlines so far has seen him consistently face challenges head-on to support his workforce and maintain the carrier's reputation.

> Quote of the Day

"Our collaboration with SmartSky allows us to offer premium services through their next-generation network."

Juraj Siska, IdeaNova Technologies
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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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