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| Passenger Experience |  |  |
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- Lufthansa says no premium-economy class, for now
Lufthansa is re-examining the issue of a premium-economy class, this blog says. Maître de Cabine Stefan Leimeister said that although the airline has not felt pressure from customers for such a service, Lufthansa recently investigated the matter and "maybe as a surprise" could debut a premium-economy class in "one or two years." APEX Editor's Blog
(6/4)     
- Vino Volo hopes to "revolutionize" the wine-tasting experience
Vino Volo is a fast-growing wine lounge and shop, offering air travelers a "comfortable" and "elegant" place to enjoy preflight wine and a bite to eat, this blog says. The company has 18 locations in airports across the U.S., and plans to open additional locations this year in the U.S. and Canada. Natalie White, vice president of marketing and services, said, "Our mission is to become the world's favorite wine destination. We want to revolutionize how people experience wine." APEX Editor's Blog
(6/4)
- United offers 6-course meal for international first-class passengers
United Airlines passengers seated in first- and business-class on international flights can now enjoy premium meals. United Global First passengers can enjoy a six-course meal, while United BusinessFirst passengers can dine on a five-course meal. "The changes come after many months of input from customers and our Congress of Chefs, as well as taste-testing sessions," said Sandra Pineau-Boddison, vice president of food services for United. CNBC
(6/1)
- Frequent fliers say pre-screening programs make traveling easier
Some frequent fliers say government and commercial programs that allow them to move more quickly through airport security checkpoints have made a real difference in their travel experience. Frequent flier Steve Wright recently moved to the front of a security line at San Francisco International Airport because he participates in the Clear program. "I travel a ton. There are many things that have gotten worse [with traveling]. But this has gotten better. It makes traveling bearable again," Wright said. San Jose Mercury News (Calif.) (free registration)
(6/4)
| Connectivity & Technology | | |
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- High-res, widescreen PSPs are still available on Icelandair
Icelandair has extended its contract with IFE Services to continue offering PlayStation Portables (PSPs) on flights where in-seat screens are unavailable. While Icelandair's regular season fleet offers in-seat entertainment systems to all passengers, some of the aircraft it contracts for the summer do not. The PSPs are intended to provide passengers with in-flight entertainment on such planes. PAX International
(6/1)
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- Etihad buys stake in Virgin Australia, rules out stake in Qantas
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has bought a 3.96% stake in Virgin Australia through open market purchases. Etihad says it plans to buy a minimum 10% stake in Virgin Australia, indicating its commitment to Virgin as a partner. It also made clear that it will not seek a stake in Virgin Australia's rival Qantas. Reuters
(6/5)
- WestJet enters business-travel market, challenges Air Canada
WestJet, Canada's second-largest air carrier, began service Monday between Toronto and LaGuardia Airport in New York. WestJet has mostly catered to leisure travelers, but now it hopes to capture from Air Canada some of the business travel market between Canada and New York. Bob Cummings, WestJet's executive vice president of sales and marketing says, "New York is really our first big push into the business market into the U.S." Bloomberg Businessweek
(6/4)
| Association News | | |
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- APEX co-hosting China IFEC Summit 27-28 June 2012
China IFEC Summit 2012 is an annual event hosted by China Air Transport Association (CATA), co-hosted by Air Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and Civil Aviation Maintenance Association of China (CAMAC), which will ensure the participation of the engineering department of each Chinese airline. The theme of this year's show is Connectivity and Streaming -- the China IFEC Revolution Begins, and is being held 27-28 June in Beijing, China. Representatives from CATA, APEX, Air China, China Southern Airlines, Gogo Air, Rockwell Collins, Lufthansa Technik AG, and Inflight Magazine will be presenting at the event. Weibang Yuanhang Wireless Technology CO. Ltd. will conduct an air-ground communication field test at the summit. Most major airlines in China have already confirmed their participation, and the attendee list continues to grow. For detailed information visit here.
- APEX members: Call for Avion Award Judges
APEX members, we need your help in nominating someone from your company to serve on the judging panel for the jury-based Avion Awards for "Best Single Achievement in Passengers Experience" and "Best Achievement in Technology." The Avion Awards, which honor the year's best achievements in the passenger experience, will be determined by a panel of judges comprised of individuals from member companies representing all sectors of the industry (airline, hardware, software, distributor, lab, service company, etc.). All member companies are encouraged to nominate an individual from their company to serve on the judging panel. To do so, complete the Judge Nomination form.
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| About APEX |
The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) encompasses a network of 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 inflight dining. Visit www.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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| | Recent apexnews Daily SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, June 04, 2012
- Friday, June 01, 2012
- Thursday, May 31, 2012
- Wednesday, May 30, 2012
- Tuesday, May 29, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Angela Giroux-Scheide
Contributing Editor: Kate Potterfield
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