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April 25, 2023

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Today's Top Stories

Canada pushes to make airlines pay passengers for flight disruptions

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra has laid out measures to stiffen penalties for delayed and cancelled flights into, from or within Canada. Under the proposals, compensation will be the default, with exceptions in very limited cases. This comes as air travel related complaints from consumers have hit record levels. Currently, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), has a backlog of more than 44,000 cases. According to the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC), the proposed measures “will not improve the operation of Canada’s air travel system or the travel experience for customers.”

Reuters | Related

Canada Wants Airlines To Pay Passengers For Flight Delays And Cancellations - Forbes

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Tony Fernandes prepares for life after AirAsia

Tony Fernandes, one of the best-known names in global aviation is preparing to step back from a frontline position in the travel industry, to instead focus more on areas such as health, education and private equity. “Good leadership is to know when to go,” he said in a recent interview in Singapore.”I have got to talk about succession planning…I want to talk about it because I want to attract the right leaders.” Tony Fernandes, bought AirAsia from a government-owned conglomerate in September 2001 for a solitary Malaysian ringgit, about 30 US cents at the time.

Straits Times | Related Tony Fernandes prepares succession plan - Bloomberg

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Brightline opens Orlando International Airport station

Intercity rail provider Brightline unveiled its station at Orlando International Airport (MCO). This links into the airport’s “multimodal vision” enabling connectivity throughout South Florida, including trains to and from Miami. The station is located inside Orlando International Airport's new 80,000-square-foot Train Station facility adjacent to Terminal C. According to Kevin Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority:“When Brightline begins its comfortable rail passenger service at Orlando International Airport, it will improve mobility between two of the state’s bustling regions, and Orlando International will be the only airport in the nation with an intercity high-speed passenger rail station."

Travel Market Report | Related Brightline unveils Orlando Rail Station - Travel Agent Central

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Etihad launches new Wi-Fly packages to ensure travellers have “an enjoyable connected experience”

Etihad has launched new Wi-Fly ‘Chat’ and ‘Surf’ packages to ensure travellers have “an enjoyable connected experience” on its wide-body fleet. All passengers will benefit from complimentary ‘Chat’ messaging throughout their entire flight by signing in with Etihad Guest membership, or simply enrolling online before flying. This includes access to popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and WeChat. Those wishing to surf, catch up on social media and work while they fly, can also choose to purchase ‘Surf’ Wi-Fly plans, which are available for a flat fee with unlimited data for the duration of the flight.

Future Travel Experience | Related Etihad launches Wi-Fly with free chat packages - Aircraft Interiors International

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Plaza Premium opens Adelaide Airport Lounge

Plaza Premium has expanded its portfolio of airport lounges around the world with the opening of a lounge in the international departures area of Adelaide Airport (ADL) in Australia. Spanning 532 sqm, the lounge can cater for up to 137 people and is the group's fourth location in Australia. Plaza Premium Lounge Adelaide is also the first dedicated international common-user lounge at Adelaide Airport since the current terminal was opened in 2005. It hosts international and local travellers especially South Australian residents travelling out across Oceania, Asia, the US and UK.

Travel News Asia | Related Plaza Premium Group opens second Rome lounge - Moodie Davitt Report

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Thai Airways picks Images In Motion as exclusive IFE CSP

Commencing in April 2023, Images In Motion will be providing a broad range of content across Thai Airway’s (THAI) fleet. The content catalog features the latest Hollywood releases, Classic movies, Asian movies, and hours of TV programs, as well as an extensive array of local Thai and Western music. “Having conducted a comprehensive tender process, we chose Images In Motion because of their strong technical presence and thorough understanding of the Asian content market,” states Kittiphong Sansomboon, Executive Director of Customer & Marketing, Thai Airways International.

Runway Girl | Related Thai Airways expands distribution agreement with Sabre - PR Newswire

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Finnair’s new Spotify soundscape: a soothing journey through Nordic skies

As Finnair approaches its centenary later this year, the carrier has developed a new atmospheric Spotify soundtrack with rising Finnish music star Perttu. The aim is to create an immersive, soothing soundscape designed to take customers on a relaxing journey through Nordic skies. “The challenge was to create enough repetition in the music that it would feel familiar to the listener, yet still be interesting and not have any sudden loud moments that could cause stress,” says Perttu. "My approach was to make a minimalist composition with modern electronic synthesizers and percussion instruments.”

Finnair Blue Wings | Related

Spotify collabs with Finnish artist and Finnair airline on their new music playlist - Scandasia

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> PHOTO OF THE DAY

The picture of the day is this fantastic shot of a Hawaiian Airlines A330 after leaving LAX. It comes from Ryan Patterson. Use #APEXPOTD for the chance to be featured in the APEX Daily Experience newsletter!

> Tweet of the Day

. @FijiAirways will be one of the buyers represented at #APEXContentMarket, starting tomorrow, April 26, in Istanbul, Turkey. Learn more about the event & see who else will be attending: http://bit.ly/40DqUks

APEX @theAPEXassoc

Association News

APEX Content Market

As the only global industry event focused on connecting in-flight entertainment content buyers with worldwide content distributors, APEX Content Market is your chance to browse the dynamic show floor to get ahead on planning your in-flight content for the upcoming year. Join us at this year’s event, 26-27 April in Istanbul, Turkey. Register now.

> Quote of the Day

“It will no longer be the passenger who will have to prove that he or she is entitled to compensation. It will now be the airline that will need to prove that it does not have to pay for it.”

Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra
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The next newsletter will be out 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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