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16-Sep-20

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Today's Top Stories

Qantas Considering HQ Move in Cost-Savings Push

The Qantas Group is reviewing its corporate real estate footprint as it looks for opportunities to consolidate and reduce its annual $30-million rental expenses. With the overall head count dropping as the airline retrenches, the space needs also shift. "Most of our activities and facilities are anchored to the airports we fly to, but anything that can reasonably move without impacting our operations or customers is on the table as part of this review. We'll also be making the new Western Sydney Airport part of our thinking, given the opportunity this greenfield project represents," said Vanessa Hudson, Qantas Group's CFO. The Qantas HQ has been in Sydney since 1938.

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Congressional Report Criticizes Boeing, FAA Over 737 MAX Design Flaws

Citing poor design controls and a slow response to the first 737 MAX crash, the US House of Representatives issued a report on Wednesday criticizing Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The report cites multiple instances of Boeing employees failing to notify the FAA of potential issues, as well as the 737 MAX chief engineer approving the MCAS implementation without fully understanding how it functions, including the fact that a single failed angle-of-attack sensor could trigger the system multiple times. This action ultimately caused the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes that resulted in 346 deaths.

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[PHOTOS] SEA Restaurant Revives Menu With African Cuisine

As the pandemic caused Seattle-Tacoma International Airport vendors to contemplate closing shop, Jerry Whitsett and Rod O'Neal decided to pivot and introduce what they believe is the first menu of African dishes in a US airport. Africa Lounge opened in 2004, but the classic American fare served never matched the Africa-inspired decor. Now, customers can order sambusas, fried plantains and jollof rice, and more African dishes will be added. The restaurant has also introduced South African wines, Africa-inspired cocktails and coffee from a local African-owned small business.

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Delta Opens Largest Sky Club in New Salt Lake City Terminal

Delta Air Lines opened its newest Sky Club lounge on Wednesday as part of Salt Lake City International Airport's new terminal. The 28,000-square-foot facility features an indoor fire pit; a covered, year-round outdoor Sky Deck; and an artwork collection featuring several local artists. It also includes two food stations, two full-service bars and five coffee and beverage stations.

The Design Air | Related Newest and largest Delta Sky Club showcases sweeping mountain views and resort-like ambiance in SLC - Delta

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Seychelles Going Digital for Traveler Health Tracking

Heavily dependent on tourism for its economy, Seychelles is moving into the digital age when it comes to tracking visitors to the island nation. With a new platform from Swiss start-up Travizory, Seychelles officials aim to improve their ability to capture and securely store passport and health data, among other details, to facilitate the reopening of borders. The system will eventually tie in to hotels and resorts on the island to boost contact-tracing capabilities. It will also allow authorities to crack down on unlicensed lodging operations. The Travizory platform allows travelers to directly upload health data to government repositories, storing a pass/fail flag for each traveler that can be validated by airlines or other transportation providers.

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Air Canada Launches Spafax-Powered IFE Website

Air Canada has launched a new site where customers can preview the content that will be available on their next flight, including movies, TV shows, audio, kids' content and games. Site visitors can watch movie trailers and recommend or share content to social media. The site is powered by Spafax's Profile platform, which is also integrated into the airline's app. Other airlines using Spafax Profile include British Airways and American Airlines.

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Chatbot Arrives at Vienna Airport

Austria's largest airport now has a new customer support option. The Bebot chatbot, developed by Japanese company Bespoke, is available to all users of Vienna AirportCity's on-site Wi-Fi or the widget installed on the website. The system provides real-time answers to questions about COVID-19 and facility information, as well as directions across the premises. Bebot also helps gather user insights, enabling Vienna AirportCity to identify trends and opportunities for improvement at the airport. The current implementation is a three-month test, with the option to continue once complete.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Located in a noise-free pocket just 20 minutes away from downtown Helsinki, Aviapolis hosts 2,000 businesses and employs 36,000 people. Two million people may live there by 2050.

This week, we're featuring photos from "Blurring Boundaries," originally published in the June/July 2019 issue of APEX Experience magazine, with the hope that we will return en masse to airports soon.

> Tweet of the Day

The one-in-a-million moment we had been waiting for - flying our #MillionthPassenger post lockdown. We made sure this was as special for our lucky customers who joined us from @BLRAirport as it was for us! #LetsIndiGo #Aviation #LeanCleanFlyingMachine

IndiGo @IndiGo6E

Association News

Register Now to Join 120+ Airlines & Airports Registered for FTE APEX Virtual Expo

Over 120 airlines and airport operators from around the world have already registered to attend FTE APEX Virtual Expo in December. Airline and airport reps who register by September 30 will get a complimentary Premium Pass with VIP access to all parts of the show, including the virtual exhibition hall, conference sessions, networking areas and the opportunity to experience an array of announcements and launches.

Have An Opinion on a Topic Relevant to the Aviation Industry? Submit an Op-Ed!

APEX Media is accepting op-eds as part of a new series called Expert Opinions aimed at spotlighting informed views on current industry trends. If you would like to participate, email editor@apex.aero with your idea.

> Quote of the Day

"This release enhances the customer experience, helping to drive engagement and consumption of onboard content."

Per Norén, Global Eagle
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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