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18-Sep-20

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Today's Top Stories

Global Eagle Launches Airconnect Go 2.0

Global Eagle launched version 2.0 of its Airconnect Go platform this week. The upgraded system features a 15-hour battery life and capacity for 3,500 hours of content, double the storage of the prior model. Digital publications, games and an in-flight map solution are also included. The company highlights the "no-touch" value for passengers, as they consume content on their own devices rather than interacting with hardware embedded in the seat. Touchpoints are a concern for many travelers in the current health climate.

Global Eagle | Related Southwest Airlines Offers App-Free IFE Via Global Eagle's Airtime Portal - APEX Media

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Axinom Mosaic Cuts IFE Deployment Time in Half

APEX Media spoke to Axinom's CCO Stefanie Schuster to learn about the company's new modular, customizable, future-proof platform that allows airlines to make the latest content available to passengers 50% faster. "The time is reduced because of the many streamlined and automated processes during ingestion, processing, asset management, packaging and targeting," she explained. With pandemic-induced pressure on airline finances, Schuster expects the IFE market to move towards standardization, and Mosaic can accommodate this, she said.

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[VIDEO] APEX Weekly Wrap: Fiji Airways' Travel Ready Program

In this episode, special guest Shaenaz Voss, executive general manager, Customer Corporate Affairs at Fiji Airways, shares information about its Travel Ready program. The carrier has taken 1,300 actions to prepare for the reopening of international travel, including the introduction of customer wellness champions on the ground and in the air. Also discussed is Vistara's first flight with Panasonic Avionics' in-flight Wi-Fi, SmartSky Networks' ongoing lawsuit against Wireless Systems Solutions and how to get the most out of FTE APEX Virtual Expo.

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British Airways Brings Suite Doors to Some 777 First-Class Seats

A small subset of the British Airways (BA) Boeing 777 fleet will soon fly with an upgraded first-class product on board. The carrier confirmed that the newest deliveries will offer doors in the forward cabin, providing additional privacy for passengers. The company noted that the design decision was made prior to the COVID-19 outbreak and that the deliveries could not be reasonably deferred, a nod to the challenges BA faces with staffing levels amidst dramatically lower demand. The upgraded first-class product follows on from the recently introduced Club Suite business-class seat on its A350 fleet, which also has doors.

Head for Points | Related [PHOTOS/VIDEO] Elevated Class 2019: A Year in Aircraft Interiors - APEX Media

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SmartSky Scores Legal Win in Patent Case

In-flight connectivity provider SmartSky Networks successfully defended its intellectual property portfolio against a challenge from Gogo, receiving a favorable ruling from the US Patent and Trademark Office this week. Gogo sought to invalidate one of hundreds of SmartSky patents through a review process, but was rejected at the initial stage before a full hearing could be set. SmartSky declared the win a decisive victory, while Gogo expressed disappointment in the ruling and stated its products don't violate the patent in question. Both companies promise to move forward with their upgraded network plans.

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Air Canada Offers Unlimited Domestic Flights, International COVID Insurance

Air Canada is keen to get passengers back on its aircraft, as demonstrated by two new products. For international travelers, the carrier now offers a COVID-19 insurance policy as part of every ticket purchased. The plan covers quarantine and repatriation costs, similar to offerings from other airlines around the globe. Closer to home, Air Canada also now offers unlimited flying across its domestic route network. Starting at CAD$2,000 per month, the flight passes are available at three levels, allow booking up to one hour prior to departure and earn a fixed number of Altitude Qualifying Miles points in the company's loyalty program.

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Winnipeg Goes Automatic With Vision-Box eGates for NEXUS Arrivals

Passengers enrolled in the NEXUS trusted traveler program arriving at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport can now cross the border via automated kiosks. The Vision-Box GT-11 eGates include facial recognition capabilities to handle inbound travelers more quickly than a traditional immigration official. Barry Rempel, Winnipeg Airport Authority's president and CEO, lauded the improved services. "Adding Vision-Box eGates for NEXUS users ... brings us one step closer to seamless, touchless passenger travel." Winnipeg's implementation is the first where automated biometrics are processing NEXUS arrivals, according to Vision-Box.

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Plans for the land surrounding DEN include a bicycle and pedestrian network.

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

Thanks for sharing, @FutureTravelX ! We're bringing our Guests #MoreGo by using this industry-leading technology, allowing us to limit face-to-face interactions and streamlining the check-in process for our Guests.

Spirit Airlines @SpiritAirlines

Association News

Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Virgin Hyperloop One Confirmed to Speak at FTE APEX Virtual EXPO

Significant disruption for the travel sector is underway and our virtual conference will provide critical insights and learnings to our attendees on future trends and successful transformation strategies to help you be ready for tomorrow's world. The latest confirmed speakers are representatives from Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Virgin Hyperloop One, Hong Kong International Airport, Gatwick Airport and Fast Future Research.

> Quote of the Day

"We want to see Australians reunite with loved ones after months of being separated."

Qantas
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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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