You're never as good as everyone tells you when you win, and you're never as bad as they say when you lose."
--Lou Holtz,
American football coach, sportscaster, author and speaker
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| apexnews Daily SmartBrief |
| April 11, 2012 |
New "semi-fixed" reclining seat offers luxury with economy
Optimares has designed a new "semi-fixed" reclining seat to ease airline passenger concerns over being unable to recline. The new seat has a 32-inch pitch installation and helps prevent the feeling of claustrophobia of some fixed seats. The tray table is made of the gorilla glass used on Apple's iPads. APEX Editor's Blog (4/10)
TAM Kids program gives children jobs during flights
Children flying on the Brazilian airline TAM will be helping the crew during the flight. The program lets children help with announcements and hand out candy to passengers. The program also provides games to keep children occupied during the flight. PAX International (4/9)
N.J. airport moves forward with final phase of terminal expansion
The final phase of a $350 million project to upgrade Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal B will start next month. The upgrade at the New Jersey airport will expand the terminal's meet-and-great area, among other projects. By the end of the year, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey will start seeking requests for information from airport operators and builders regarding the creation of public-private partnership to build a new Terminal A. Airport-World.com (4/10)
Virgin Produced unveils its in-flight TV channel
Virgin Produced is creating original short-form programs for Virgin America flights. The new TV channel delivers drama, comedy and music to viewers. "When a passenger gets on a plane they're expecting content they can relate to. And they're expecting content that's different from everyone else," said Jason Felts, Virgin Produced co-founder and CEO. Variety (subscription required) (4/10)
Emirates puts entertainment at passengers' fingertips
Emirates passengers will soon have an easier time navigating the in-flight entertainment system. An upgraded graphical user interface will let passengers scroll through available media, send e-mail and watch in-flight landscape cameras. "[W]e wanted to bring the same experience, look and feel available on smartphones and tablets to our loyal customers in an aircraft environment," said Tim Clark, president of Emirates. Trade Arabia (Bahrain) (4/10)
Passengers may use more in-flight wireless as prices drop
As more airlines offer Internet access and other communication tools as part of in-flight entertainment, the question remains if passengers will use them. Costs have kept some passengers from using phones or Internet devices on planes, but those costs are expected to drop by half as providers cut roaming rates. Increasing in-seat on-demand services may also tempt passengers to use wireless services while in-flight, this feature says. Aviation Week & Space Technology (4/10)
American Airlines assesses future capability of IFE
American Airlines remains skeptical about the ability of in-flight entertainment systems to stream HD videos. Mark Smith, manager of in-flight entertainment and connectivity at American, also wonders if systems available now can handle new technologies in five to 10 years. Smith wants to make sure IFE vendors can handle the demand before the airline invests. "I just know that we have to get our questions answered before we make investments that will haunt us, or potentially haunt us, for years," he said. APEX Editor's Blog (4/10)
Garuda is expected to buy 11 Airbus A330s for $2.5B, sources say
Indonesia's Garuda is set to add 11 A330 jets to its fleet in a $2.5 billion deal with Airbus, sources say. The deal is expected to be announced today by British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is visiting Indonesia as part of a tour of Asia. If the deal is confirmed, Garuda's A330 fleet would increase to 27. Reuters (4/10)
Jetstar wins approval to begin Japan flights July 3
Jetstar Japan has received approval from Japanese regulators to begin domestic flights out of Narita International Airport beginning July 3. "This approval means we're on track to start flying five months ahead of schedule, making it easier for people in Tokyo, Okinawa, Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka to connect," said Jetstar Japan CEO Miyuki Suzuki. The low-cost carrier is a partnership of Qantas Group, Japan Airlines and Mitsubishi Corp. Air Transport World (4/11)
British Airways expects A380 to be delivered in 2013
British Airways could soon be the first airline to have A380 and B787 aircraft in its fleet. The carrier expects to add its first A380 superjumbo next year as Airbus begins construction on the plane. "Our teams across the airline have been working in partnership with Airbus to ensure that preparations are well under way for us to receive this pioneering and leading-edge aircraft, so that it goes smoothly into service for British Airways for the first time next year," said CEO Keith Williams. BusinessTraveller.com (U.K.) (4/10)
Other News
Job Listing: Account Managers and Account Coordinators for AMP International's Dubai and Irvine offices
AMP International, a Post Modern Group company, has openings for individuals with experience in content licensing. Excellent opportunities with a growing company. Location: Irvine, CA and Dubai, UAE. Contact: info@ampintl.com Blank (4/4)
Save the date for the APEX 2012 EXPO!
Mark your calendars today for the APEX 2012 EXPO, which will be held 17-20 September in Long Beach, Calif., USA. Registration will open late spring 2012. It is the industry's four-day premier event featuring top-notch education and the latest and most comprehensive display of airline-related technologies, products and services. Last year's event attracted more than 2,300 aviation professionals who all have one thing in common: commitment to improving the airline passenger experience. Make sure you don't miss APEX 2012 EXPO! Blank (11/21)
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