Connecting With Your Travellers Worldwide
In light of the recent and ongoing emergencies in Europe and around the globe, we would like to reassure our customers that APX has a robust global travel risk monitoring and reporting system, and can connect with your travellers as soon as an emergency occurs.
We utilised the APX Traveller Security system on the day of the Paris attacks. Within hours we had communicated with all APX travellers in France, as well as those booked to arrive in coming days. We rescheduled flights and accommodation as needed, and kept key contacts at their companies fully informed.
Our Traveller Security service is offered free of charge as part of our standard service to clients. We can also provide your company with direct access to this software should this be of interest (an annual fee applies). For more information please contact your APX Partnership Manager or email info@apx.co.nz
New International Routes Announced in November
Auckland to Los Angeles with American Airlines
American Airlines in partnership with Qantas, has announced it will add a new non-stop service between Auckland and Los Angeles from June 2016 (pending regulatory approval).
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be used for this new route, which will fly daily for most of the year.
This news follows Air New Zealand's decision to fly direct services from Auckland to Houston from 15 December this year, and United Airlines' plans to commence flights between Auckland and San Francisco from July 2016.
Experience Vietnam with Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand also made headlines this month when it announced plans to fly from Auckland to Ho Chi Minh City, three times a week, during New Zealand's winter months of June to October.
Vietnam is rapidly growing in popularity among Kiwi travellers. Air New Zealand may extend the availability of flights pending the success of this route.
Upcoming Peak Travel Dates
The summer holiday period is always a peak travel time in New Zealand. APX strongly recommends that flights, accommodation and car rentals required from November to March are booked ahead of time to avoid high prices or no availability.
Upcoming peak travel dates of note include:
Auckland
12 December – Ed Sheeran concert
15 December – ACDC concert
17 January 2016 - UB40 concert
6-7 February - NRL Auckland Nines
5-15 February - Cirque Du Soleil
27 February – Simply Red concert
19 March – Tom Jones concert
19 March – Auckland City Limits Festival
28 April – Black Sabbath concert
Wellington
12 December – ACDC concert
30 – 31 January 2016 – Wellington Sevens
18 - 21 February 2016 – Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Christchurch
17-26 February - Cirque Du Soleil
5 March - Simply Red concert
Queenstown
15 January 2016 – UB40 concert
Dunedin
30 April - Black Sabbath concert
Australia
5 December - V8 Supercars - Sydney
As always for travel bookings or assistance contact us on 0800 TRAVEL (872 835).
APX Blog: 10 Ways To Stay In Business Mode While Flying
Even with the best planned travel itinerary, it's inevitable that you'll have time on your hands when travelling long-haul for business.
So here's our guide to maximising your productivity while on the go.
Amadeus Adds 250 Accommodation Properties in Australia and New Zealand
APX technology supplier Amadeus has this month partnered with The Hotel Network, one of Australasia's leading accommodation brokers, to expand the range of properties in Australia and New Zealand available to book directly in Amadeus' systems.
This new deal will see over 250 regional, independent and remote accommodation options added to Amadeus' existing portfolio in Australasia – meaning a lot more choice for domestic and trans-Tasman travel.
These properties will be available for APX clients to book online in Amadeus e-Travel Management (AeTM).
10-Year New Zealand Passport Arrives
New Zealand citizens over the age of 16 years will be eligible to apply for a 10-year passport from 30 November.
Those requiring a new passport before Christmas are being advised that the timeframe is very tight. Applicants should ensure they double check all details in their application before submitting it.
Applicants can renew their passport online or courier their completed application and passport photos to the New Zealand Passport Office.
New Australian Visa Rules
Visitors to Australia who require a visa for entry are now required to supply biometric information. This applies to all visas issued after 29 September 2015.
In New Zealand, the biometric process must be done in person at the Australian Visa Application Centres in either Auckland or Queenstown, and appointments must be made prior.
The standard processing time for temporary visa applications is 30 days.
Qantas To Upgrade Auckland Lounge
Qantas has announced plans to upgrade its lounge at Auckland International Airport.
With the airline's other international lounges in Singapore, Hong Kong and Los Angeles providing design inspiration, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is aiming for it to be "the best lounge in New Zealand".
While late 2016 has been indicated as a possible date for completion, no firm dates have yet been announced.
Source: Australian Business Traveller
Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Opens December
TFE Hotels will open the doors to the Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland in Auckland's Britomart on 1 December. This will be the first Adina Apartment Hotel in New Zealand.
The hotel will feature 140 stylish and modern apartments, located just a short stroll to the waterfront. The rooms are appointed with fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living space and laundries, with a real focus on comfort and lifestyle, including an on-site gym and undercover parking.
