Support APX in the 2016 World Travel Awards
On the back of our triple win at last year's TAANZ National Travel Industry Awards, we are spreading our wings and looking to share our story with a broader audience via the World Travel Awards. And we've been shortlisted! APX is in the running for the category Australasia's Leading Travel Management Company.
Voting is now open for 2016 and we would love you to get behind us by voting for APX.
Please note you will need to register to vote, but this only takes a moment. We appreciate your support!
Qatar Airways to Fly Direct to Auckland
New Zealand is more connected to the world than ever with an increasing network of inbound and outbound flights. And now Qatar Airways is joining the party with one of the world's longest direct flights, connecting Auckland with Doha, Qatar.
Flying from 3 December this year, the 9,000 mile journey from Auckland to Doha onboard a Boeing 777-200LR will have a flight time of 17.5 hours - taking ultra-long haul travel to new lengths.
Air New Zealand Opens New Brisbane Lounge
Earlier this month Air New Zealand opened the doors to its newest international lounge at Brisbane Airport, fitted out with the same sleek signature design as the new lounges in Sydney and Auckland.
The lounge is 771 square-metres and accommodates close to 200 travellers. Featuring views of Brisbane and the lower terminal, the lounge includes a self-service food and beverage area, a children's play area, quiet nooks, business tables and bathroom facilities.
Wellington Airport Under Construction
Wellington Airport has provided information on their "Upgrade 2017" project which includes completing the terminal extension, building an eight-storey car park next to the terminal and building a 134-bed Rydges Airport Hotel.
With a lot of work on the go, there are some temporary changes to the main drop-off area and the Premium and Valet access point. Directional signage will assist you in navigating these changes, however we recommend allowing extra time when departing from Wellington to ensure a smooth journey.
An overview of the changes can be found here.
James Cook Hotel 100% Rated for Earthquakes
The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor in Wellington has been granted a 100 percent National Building Standard (NBS) rating by engineering group Aurecon following a significant project to strengthen the hotel for earthquakes.
Further information on this rating / strengthening work can be supplied to APX clients on request.
Air New Zealand & United Airlines Alliance
Air New Zealand and United Airlines have this month formalised a revenue sharing agreement, whereby the two carriers will promote and sell both airlines' services between the US and New Zealand.
This agreement will come into effect with the launch of the new United Airlines San Francisco-Auckland service on 1 July this year.
The Future of Corporate Travel Innovation
APX Head of Product & Innovation Andrew Barnard was interviewed on stage at the recent Amadeus Asia Pacific Managed Travel 3.0 conference. Here he shares his thoughts on innovation, collaboration and cutting-edge technology - and the future of corporate travel management.
APX Travellers' Tales: Abbigail Surridge on Business in Palmerston North
Travellers' Tales is a regular feature on the APX Blog, where corporate travellers review the highlights and lowlights of recent business trips, and share tips for other travellers. Share your own review to be in to win a Bluesmart carry-on bag.
Abbigail Surridge is an Executive Assistant for a leading New Zealand agricultural company, and travels for business meetings between Christchurch and Palmerston North every couple of months. We chat to her about her most recent trip.
Reminder: Reciprocity Fee for Argentina Travel
A reminder that travellers visiting Argentina on a US, Canadian or Australian passport must pay a Reciprocity Fee to the Immigration Department of Argentina prior to arriving. New Zealand and British citizens do not need to pay this fee.
• For US citizens, the Reciprocity Fee is valid for 10 years and costs $160.
• For Australian citizens, the Reciprocity Fee is valid for 1 year and costs $100.
• For Canadian citizens the Reciprocity Fee is valid until 1 month before the expiration of your current passport and costs $92.
For all, a $20 service fee also applies. The Reciprocity fee must be paid in advance online.
