Hello,
The end of the year is fast approaching. With Christmas and holidays firmly in sight, this month’s Inform again features some great offers: for businesses from our partners, for leisure from APX Holidays, or bleisure for you! Whatever travel you’re planning, our consultants are available 24/7 to make it a smooth and successful trip. Remember as well, our duty free voucher if you're travelling internationally.
The countdown is on until Christmas. We’re proud to announce that the APX & Super Shuttle City Mission Christmas Drive is back for another year. Take a look at this video to see how we helped the City Mission last Christmas. If your business is interested in booking a collection, find out more below.
Until next month!
Regards,
Deborah Gyde
General Manager NZ
APX & Super Shuttle City Mission Xmas Drive Returns
The APX & Super Shuttle City Mission Christmas Drive is back. Each year, in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, we partner with Super Shuttle to collect much needed food and gift donations for the City Mission from the many organisations we work with. These donations make Christmas as special as it should be for the thousands of kiwis who struggle to provide their families with even the simplest of Christmas joys. Watch how we helped the City Mission last year.
Our goal is to make it easy to give a little, or a lot, this Christmas. We go to each participating office in mid-December with a Super Shuttle van and trailer to pick up the donated items, then take it to the local City Mission. Last year we had 22 collections, so our goal is to make this year even bigger. If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Max from APX Marketing for more details.
Air New Zealand Makes Summer International Schedule Changes Due to Dreamliner Engines
The ongoing global issues impacting the Rolls-Royce engines that power Air New Zealand’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft continue to affect their ability to maintain their flight schedules. Yesterday, the airline announced that disruptions are now unavoidable which include a number of cancellations and changes to aircraft scheduled to operate some Tasman and Pacific Island services over summer. Flights within New Zealand are not affected.
The most substantive of changes announced is the suspension of its twice-weekly seasonal Christchurch-Perth service, resulting in the cancellation of 62 flights. The airline will also cancel its second daily Auckland-Perth service from 10 December until 5 January. Outside the Perth route, a limited number of Auckland-Sydney services and two Auckland-Tonga services have also been cancelled between 10 December to 2 January. For more information on affected services, please see here.
APX are in the process of contacting and rebooking affected travellers. For more information, please contact your APX Account Manager or view the Air New Zealand travel alert.
Air New Zealand Opens New Auckland Regional Lounge
Air New Zealand’s Auckland Airport domestic lounge has been in development since October 2018 and is now open. The lounge features five different zones, including café, bar, lounge, business and quiet areas and most seats offer USB charging facilities. Members will also enjoy a new menu at the self-serve buffet as well as Hummingbird barista made coffee. It offers expansive views over the runway and now caters to 265 customers. A new valet service area has also been constructed as part of the project.
APX Holidays Deals
APX isn't all work and no leisure. As part of helloworld Travel, APX Holidays has access to hundreds of leading deals like these top picks:
- Fly to the UK & Europe in style with Singapore Airlines. Return flights from just $1,299*pp! See the deals here.
- Melbourne is always abuzz with sporting events, shows & musicals. From the Australian Open to the spellbinding production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, check out these Melbourne event packages.
- Cruise from Auckland to the South Pacific from $1,299*pp twin share. Best of all, receive an onboard credit up to AU$300 plus book an Oceanview stateroom at Inside pricing*. Find the cruise for you here.
- The worldwide cruise sale is on now with Celebrity Cruises®. Bonus US$500 onboard spending credit PLUS Classic Beverage Package*. Discover the itineraries.
- Plus, don’t miss the Massive Cruise Sale!
Get in touch to book or to discover even more amazing deals to the destinations of your dreams. Plus, get 20% off comprehensive travel insurance. Call APX Holidays on 0800 486 772 or email holidays@apx.co.nz.
Sudima Hotels' Awarded and Special Rate for New Sudima Christchurch City
A key partner in the APX local hotel programme, Sudima Hotels were announced as Supreme Winners at this year’s NZ Tourism Awards, the most prestigious award in the industry. They were also awarded with the Environmental Award and the Employer of Choice Award.
Their brand new 5-star boutique hotel, Sudima Christchurch City, is a located on Victoria Street amidst an array of cafes, restaurants and bars. They have released a special rate over summer, available to all APX customers. Receive 15% off the best available rate and complimentary breakfast, valid until March 2020. To book, please contact your APX Consultant.
Aelia Duty Free Discount
As part of APX’s partnership with Aelia Duty Free, enjoy 5% off liquor, fragrance, beauty and confectionary departments in store. Download the voucher and present it in store or on your device. *Conditions apply.
Sofitel Auckland’s Award-Winning Year
APX congratulates Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, revelling in a year filled with prestigious awards. The hotel was recently award New Zealand Luxury Hotel of the Year at the World Luxury Hotel Awards. This accolade sits alongside the hotel’s earlier win of New Zealand Hotel of the Year at the esteemed HM Awards.
Air New Zealand's New York & London Services
From October 2020, Air New Zealand will launch a non-stop service between Auckland and New York three times weekly, operated by their 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The flight time is 15hr 40m northbound and 17hr 40m southbound, making it the airline’s longest route, as well as the fifth longest in the world by distance.
At the same time, Air New Zealand has made the difficult decision to withdraw from their daily Los Angeles-London service. Air New Zealand are confident that customers will be able to travel year-round between Auckland and London with partner airlines via 12 gateways in Asia and the Americas, including New York.
NZ Business Traveller Top 10 Stories
In partnership with NZ Business Traveller, APX presents the top stories from the industry over the month:
- Major expansion of American Airlines to New Zealand. Read the article.
- All new Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. Read the article.
- Apple's new 16-inch Macbook Pro. Read the article.
- Fullerton Hotel Sydney open for business. Read the article.
- First Class refurbishment for British Airways lounge at Johannesburg international airport. Read the article.
- Uber's new reward program launched in Auckland. Read the article.
- Introducing the new Apple AirPods Pro. Read the article.
- Air New Zealand opens new regional lounge at Auckland domestic terminal. Read the article.
- Luxury Collection's first brand, Al Messila, opens for business in Doha, Qatar. Read the article.
- Bruce Munro's 'Tropical Light' opens in Northern Territory as the world's first city style illuminated exhibition. Read the article.
Virgin Australia Accelerate Travel Programme
APX wishes to share Virgin Australia's Accelerate programme is a free to join air travel program for businesses who spend up to $300,000 per year on air travel. When you book and fly with Accelerate, you can save money and time while rewarding your staff and business for your travel.
Perfect for small and medium businesses, Virgin Australia Accelerate offers great benefits for businesses on the move. To join or find out more, please contact your APX Account Manager or Virgin Australia BDM NZ Ryan Manson.
Mercure Queenstown Resort Christmas Celebration Rates
Mercure have shared a special rate with APX when you book your team’s accommodation and holiday dinner with Mercure Queenstown Resort. Receive special accommodation prices on application in their Garden or Lake View rooms. South Eatery’s festive holiday dinner menu is now available at $45 per person, which includes complimentary bubbles or beer on arrival and selected canapés.
For more information, please contact your APX Consultant or Michelle Dent of Accor Hotels.
Air New Zealand Releases Latest Sustainability Report
Air New Zealand has released its latest sustainability report, which outlines the airline’s progress towards its sustainability goals over the past year. The report tackles key themes including climate change and carbon reduction, embracing diversity and inclusion, supporting sustainable tourism, working with suppliers and reducing waste and plastic. The 2019 report is available to view on Air New Zealand’s website here.
Vibe Hotel Melbourne Opening Soon
APX is excited to share details of the new Vibe Hotel Melbourne, opening in early 2020. The new hotels merges the old and the new with a 145-year-old façade juxtaposed with a brand new, 24-storey glass tower. Its upper levels will take in views of the Yarra River to Port Phillip Bay, while its dual frontage ensures city views. Exceptional service with a lifestyle focus will complement the modern spaces. In keeping with the brand ethos, the Vibe Hotel Melbourne offers 206 stylish rooms with contemporary areas to eat, see and play.
Emirates Adds New App Feature
Assisting APX travellers, Emirates launched Airport maps in its app which allows customers to navigate seamlessly through the airport. The Airport maps can detect the user's location (via Bluetooth and WiFi) and provide point to point navigation through all touchpoints of the airport. The new feature maps out Emirates' hub, Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3, and also includes major airports in their network such as London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Hong Kong International airport.
