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25-Sep-2020

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Today's Top Stories

Qatar Airways Makes Wi-Fi Free for 100 Days

To celebrate 100 aircraft offering its Super Wi-Fi service via Inmarsat's GX Aviation network, Qatar Airways is making in-flight connectivity free for 100 days. The deal runs through to January 2, 2021, providing full-flight access to the Wi-Fi connection rather than imposing the typical one-hour limit. Qatar Airways' chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, highlighted the value of connectivity in today's travel environment. "We understand the importance, especially in recent months, of enabling people to be connected at all times, whether on-the-ground or 35,000ft in the air," he said.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo | Related Qatar Airways CEO Calls For Uniformity in COVID Response - APEX Media

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[VIDEO] APEX Weekly Wrap: ATAG Calls For Green Recovery

In this week's episode, Michael Gill, executive director of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), discusses the importance of a green recovery for the aviation industry. Despite the ongoing downturn in commercial aviation, Gill explained that the general consensus across both the industry and the public is that "we need to take a responsible approach to future growth." Also covered are Airbus' three exciting new concepts for hydrogen-powered aircraft, how face coverings are affecting airport biometrics, United's innovative new flight search tool and more.

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Delta and easyJet Pilots Avoid Losing Their Jobs

Pilots at Delta Air Lines and easyJet will avoid furloughs and layoffs respectively, at least for now. At easyJet, the compromise was achieved by 1,500 pilots choosing a part-time work arrangement to ensure that their colleagues remained employed. EasyJet still intends to close bases at Southend, Stansted and Newcastle, with those pilots offered an option to transfer to other locations on the network. Delta's deal provides a month-long delay on any furlough decisions as the company and union negotiate with each other on potential options. Both parties are also pressing the US government to provide additional payroll support funding to further mitigate the need for furloughs.

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Pandemic Creates Flush of Orders From Airports for Tooshlights

Seattle-Tacoma International is one of the latest airports to pilot Tooshlights, a smart restroom traffic management system that uses lights to indicate if a restroom stall is occupied or vacant. The technology helps airports monitor restrooms from an operational perspective, while also enabling social distancing. "The smart restroom solution adds more privacy, improves physical distancing during the pandemic and prevents the need for passengers to push or touch stall doors to determine availability," the airport said in a statement.

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Auckland Doubles Down on Omnichannel Retail Offering

With passenger counts down and international travel cut off, Auckland International Airport is adjusting its retail marketing strategy. As consumers move online, the airport is joining them with improved omnichannel marketing offerings. Jayne Wear, head of Omnichannel for the airport, sees continued investment in the digital experience as key to success. She said hyper-targeted campaigns and optimized triggers are currently critical focus areas. Click below to register for FTE APEX Virtual Expo to hear Wear speak on a panel about tech-led revenue streams.

Future Travel Experience | Related FTE APEX Virtual EXPO - Register Now

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AirAsia Expanding App-Based Digital Services

AirAsia hasn't been shy about its goal of pivoting to a digital company that also operates aircraft. Starting next month, it will take a huge step in that direction, adding payment services, e-commerce logistics and food and beverage segments to its app and web presence. The services are fragmented today -BigPay works for payments in Thailand, while the Santan meal option is only available in Malaysia - but the company is committed to this path and has accelerated the transition as it seeks new revenue streams to offset limited passenger demand.

Bangkok Post | Related [VIDEO] AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes to Transform Airline Into "Transport Mobility Company" - APEX Media

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Maps Matter in United's Flight Search Update

United Airlines passengers can now search for a trip by destination type and price point rather than picking a specific airport. The company added a map-based search offering to its website this week, targeting leisure travelers with flexible plans. The offering leverages the Google Flights search platform, "streamlining the search process and allowing customers to more easily find the flights that work best for them," according to United's chief digital officer, Linda Jojo. In addition to the filter options available on Map Search, MileagePlus members can also use the Where I've Been feature to view all of their past travels with United.

United Airlines | Related VIDEO: United CDO Linda Jojo @ Aviation Festival 2018 - APEX Media

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

Blue hues. Captured by @icroud (via Instagram).

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

> Tweet of the Day

Welcome, Juliet Alpha! The noise and emission reducing #A320neo with registration "D-AIJA" is our newest addition to the shorthaul fleet. Scheduled to take off any minute for SXF, flightnumber #LH9921 ðŸ›« @Flightradar24 @airbus @berlinairport

Lufthansa News @lufthansaNews

Association News

[VIDEO] APEX CEO Backs United's Rapid COVID-19 Tests on KTVU

Yesterday, APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader took part in a news segment that aired on KTVU, an affiliate of FOX based in San Francisco. During the feature, Dr. Leader showed his support for United Airlines' move to offer passengers traveling to Hawaii access to rapid COVID-19 tests. If the results are negative, they can avoid a fourteen day quarantine on arrival. Watch the segment here.

> Quote of the Day

"The user interface appears as a native application without requiring app/SDK installations on the passenger's device."

Jane Boland, Inflight Dublin
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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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