APX Celebrates 60 Years in Travel
This month we're celebrating our diamond anniversary – it's been 60 years since Atlantic & Pacific first started booking travel. Originally based in Christchurch, the company's focus was holiday travel in those early years, later specialising in business travel in 1981.
We have seen many changes in the industry since, and the business has continually redefined itself to create new and relevant propositions for our clients over six decades. In our latest blog post we celebrate this milestone and hear from our longest-standing employee Debby Mackley. Thank you for sharing the journey – and here's to the next 60 years!
Q2 Corporate Travel Market Update with Andrew Dale
The second quarter of 2016 has seen the continuation of competitive airfares across New Zealand's domestic and international routes, the success of new airline routes, growth of disruptive and innovative technology and ongoing concerns surrounding traveller security. In this Q2 update, APX Chief Executive Andrew Dale breaks down how these changes will affect Kiwi businesses and their travel strategies.
Protect Your Data When Using Airport and Hotel Wi-Fi
Today it's common for airports and hotels to offer free Wi-Fi, which is a great perk for travellers. However NordVPN has warned that the number of hackers taking advantage of these networks is increasing, as data can be easily intercepted.
An option to protect your data is to install a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs encrypt traffic flow between the Internet and a device and hide the user's IP address. There are a wide range of VPN apps available for both Android and iOS, however free VPN apps may not be trustworthy. We recommend customers talk to their IT department for the best option.
Emirates Upgrades Auckland to Dubai Service to A380
Emirates launched its popular direct service from Auckland to Dubai in March this year, and plans to upgrade from a Boeing 777-200LR to an Airbus A380 from October. This route takes over 17 hours in one hop, and is among the latest ultra long-haul routes to redefine international travel.
For travellers in Business Class, the new aircraft will mean an upgrade to lie-flat beds and direct aisle access for all seats, not to mention an inflight bar to mix and mingle. In First-Class, passengers will also have access to one of two showers to freshen up before landing.
Changes to Virgin Australia's Inflight Entertainment
Air New Zealand has advised that from 1 August, customers who have purchased the Works travelling on NZ7000 series flights operated by alliance partner Virgin Australia will no longer receive a tablet for onboard entertainment.
Access to the Virgin Australia Inflight Entertainment app will remain free to passengers via their own portable device while onboard.
To access the app, customers simply need to:
Download the free Virgin Australia Entertainment app prior to departure
Fully charge their device and bring headphones on the flight.
Chateau on the Park Joins Double Tree by Hilton
Christchurch's iconic Chateau on the Park will join the Double Tree by Hilton family from 1 September 2016. This acquisition is set to strengthen Hilton Worldwide's presence in New Zealand which includes four existing hotels in Auckland, Taupo and Queenstown.
The hotel is nestled amongst 5 acres of beautiful gardens and the 192-room hotel includes two food and beverage outlets, meeting rooms, a business centre, pool and gym and has recently undergone extensive renovations.
APX Assistance For Weather Disrupts
With winter now in full swing, flight delays and cancellations due to weather are becoming more frequent. We'd like to take this opportunity to remind our customers that APX is here to assist with changes to travel plans.
If your flight is cancelled for any reason, we can provide prompt assistance to rebook you on a new flight and find you accommodation if needed. Call our team 24/7 on 0800 TRAVEL (872 835) or +64 9 302 9720 if calling from outside New Zealand.
Keeping Your Travellers Informed in Emergencies
With the recent terrorist events in Munich, Nice and Istanbul, traveller security remains a key focus for employers sending staff abroad for business.
APX Traveller Security is a world-class technology suite designed to protect travellers throughout every step of the journey. APX Traveller Security ensures all APX travellers are advised of any major travel risks before departing, keeps them up-to-date during their trip, and should an emergency occur this technology enables our team to instantly pinpoint travellers on an interactive map, run full reports and instigate two-way contact with them.
