The Weekly Wrap: Episode 21

This week’s episode sees Michael Gill, executive director of the Air Transport Action Group, discussing the importance of a green recovery for the aviation industry. Despite the ongoing downturn in commercial aviation, Gill explains 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’ exciting new concepts for hydrogen-powered aircraft, how face coverings are affecting airport biometrics, United’s innovative new flight search tool and more.

The Weekly Wrap: Episode 20

APEX Media welcomes special guest Shaenaz Voss, executive general manager, Customer Corporate Affairs at Fiji Airways. APEX member Fiji Airways has taken 1,300 actions to prepare for the reopening of international travel as part of its Travel Ready initiative, including the introduction of customer wellness champions on the ground and in the air.

“We’re only hiring people who already have medical qualifications in either nursing or pre-hospital care,” said Voss, but explained customer wellness champions will also be trained in cabin operations. In terms of aviation’s future, Voss highlights the need for a governmental framework that recognises the importance of air travel, both from a tourism and a supply chain perspective.

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 involved with the upcoming FTE APEX Virtual Expo.

The Weekly Wrap: Episode 19

In Episode 19 of the APEX Weekly Wrap, hosts Stephanie Taylor and Seth Miller hear from chief commercial officer at NXTCOMM, Steve Newell, about the company’s plans for its AeroMax electronically steerable antenna.

They also discuss the thinking behind the decision by four major US airlines to permanently drop changes fees on domestic flights, as well as the latest developments in in-flight entertainment, from Global Eagle’s newly introduced app-less IFE experience for Southwest Airlines to British Airways’ decision to move its High Life magazine fully online after 47 years in print.

The Weekly Wrap: Episode 18

In this episode of the APEX Weekly Wrap, Maryann Simson details her first flying experience in six months, from London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson with Air Canada. She discusses first-hand how things have changed and the new measures airports and airlines are taking to keep everything clean and to help passengers feel confident. Dan Bambridge from Neutral Digital joins the show to discuss how virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are being re-evaluated across the aviation industry in light of current events, and how the technologies lend themselves to hygienic, touchless experiences throughout the air travel journey.

Finally, the hosts look at Diehl Aviation’s latest announcement about providing Buyer-Furnished-Equipment on Boeing aircraft and the delivery of the first governmental Airbus A350 aircraft in Germany.

The Weekly Wrap: Episode 17

The special guest on this episode of the APEX Weekly Wrap is Matt Crane, CEO of UK-based airline meal and snack supplier Monty’s Bakehouse. Matt tells hosts Maryann Simson and Seth Miller about how the business has adapted to deal with the ongoing challenges faced by the aviation industry in 2020.

Also discussed are Gogo’s plans to sell its commercial aviation business, Air Canada’s newly revamped Aeroplan program and AERQ’s plans for digital domination in the aircraft cabin.

The Weekly Wrap: Episode 16

Episode 16 of The Weekly Wrap with APEX, features Nigel Goode, co-founder and designer at London-based studio PriestmanGoode, provides an insight into the company’s Pure Skies cabin concept.

Hosts Maryann Simson and Seth Miller also discuss Virgin Australia’s restructuring plans, celebrate the features of Lufthansa’s newest A320neo aircraft and provide an update on the Boeing 737 MAX’s re-entry into service.

The Weekly Wrap: Episode 15

This episode of The Weekly Wrap with APEX sees hosts Seth Miller and Stephanie Taylor chat to Matthew Nicholls, sales director of Tapis Corporation, about the new seating concept his company developed together with Molon Labe and Simona Boltaron to ensure safe, hygienic air travel for economy class passengers in the years to come.

Also discussed is how airlines and ancillary revenue providers are adapting to the current climate by offering new paid-for seat-blocking solutions, from GoAir’s GoFlyPrivate product to Plusgrade’s Dynamic Seat Blocker.

Finally, the episode walks through the unique features of the beautiful new cabin interior on board Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo vehicles, and provides an update on the FLYWELL IN.bowl concept.

The Weekly Wrap: Episode 14

This episode of The APEX Weekly Wrap, hosts Seth Miller and Maryann Simson bid a fond farewell to the Boeing 747 fleets retired by British Airways and Qantas before looking to more eco-friendly aircraft innovations announced as part of the FIA Connect event in place of this year’s Farnborough Airshow.

The pair weigh the pros and cons of Global Eagle’s decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and how the move could ultimately be a positive one for the company’s future. They also discuss the news that aircraft seating manufacturer ZIM Flugsitz has also filed for insolvency protection.

Finally, special guests Dan Coleman, founder of Future Travel Experience (FTE) and Dr. Joe Leader, APEX/IFSA CEO, join to provide more details about how the first-ever FTE APEX Virtual Expo will work, including the topics that the show will focus on.

The Weekly Wrap: Episode 13

This episode of The Weekly Wrap with APEX explores the deployment of Panasonic Avionics’ eX1 in-flight entertainment system and connectivity services on Middle East Airlines’ new Airbus A321 fleet. Special guest Tom Eskola, Panasonic Avionics’ VP & General Manager, Middle East, Central and Southern Asia, and Africa, gives his view on airlines’ changing IFEC requirements and provides an outline of the company’s plan over the next 12 months.

Also discussed by hosts Seth Miller and Maryann Simson are the reasons why a tie-up between Jetblue and American Airlines makes sense, and what it is about gategroup’s ePax touchless retail solution that is so appealing to airlines.

The Weekly Wrap: Episode 12

This week’s wrap kicks off by looking at a host of in-flight connectivity (IFC) news, from Gogo enabling IFC at 3,000-feet to FTS’ XStreamSAT becoming the first Ka-band system to launch in China with Qingdao Airlines.

Hosts Maryann Simson and Seth Miller also chat to Christian Mundigler, VP FACC Aftermarket Services, about FACC’s new LAV4ALL concept. He explains how LAV4ALL was designed to give passengers with disabilities more independence and privacy, and details the company’s plans to roll out the product across different aircraft types.

Finally, they take a look at how airline alliances have come together to communicate with passengers about the “new normal” in air travel and investigate how On Target Spray Systems’ electrostatic sprayer disinfects aircraft cabins.