Hi,

With Christmas upon us, APX has been busy gifting and giving back. The annual APX & Super Shuttle City Mission Christmas Drive was even bigger this year. We had 25 collections from organisations over the three cities, filling vans and trailers with much needed food and gift donations for each City Mission. Also, you’ll see below that the APX Wellington team raised over $5000 for our official charity, Camp Quality. We've since raised another $1000 internally for them with our Christmas raffle. We love driving corporate social responsibility and helping organisations with such important initiatives. A huge thank you to everyone involved.

Before I close, I’d also like to say a heartfelt thank you, to you our customers for another successful year together. We’re extremely proud to be partnering with your organisation and we look forward to creating even more value to you in 2020. Please remember, we’re still available 24/7 over the break should you need anything. Otherwise, on behalf of the APX team, we wish you, your team and your family a safe holiday season, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Kind Regards,
Deborah Gyde
APX General Manager

 

NZ Business Travel Top 10 Stories

In partnership with NZ Business Traveller, APX presents the top stories from the industry over the month:

  1. Air New Zealand named airline of the year by Airratings.com. Read the article.
  2. Sustainability focused amenity kits from Hawaiian Airlines. Read the article.
  3. SO/Auckland Club Signature is now open. Read the article.
  4. Cathay Pacific brings back Signature Craft beer. Read the article.
  5. How to glam in the first Grand Slam of 2020, The Australian Open. Read the article.
  6. Topping the air travellers' wish list. Read the article.
  7. Enjoy New Zealand summer at Gibbston Valley Lodge with an outstanding wine experience. Read the article.
  8. British Airways' new menu from Gatwick. Read the article.
  9. Qantas and Air France – KLM announce new frequent flyer partnership. Read the article.
  10. Air Canada touches down in Auckland. Read the article.
 
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Jetstar Carry-On Baggage Changes

Jetstar passengers who wish to fly with extra carry-on luggage can now purchase an additional +7kg add on. This allows for a total combined carry-on weight of 14kg. It has replaced the former +3kg add on option. Starter, Plus and Max fare customers can purchase this additional +7kg add on, while Flex fares now allow for an increased total 14kg carry-on weight (was 10kg). Read more on baggage allowances here.

This is a good option for customers travelling with laptops, overnight bags, and additional luggage. Jetstar’s airport teams keep a close eye on carry-on weight to ensure customers comply with allowances. These checks include weighing all carry-on items combined. Failure to comply can incur changes at the gate. APX recommends travellers to review their baggage allowances early and speak to your APX consultant about your options.

 
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APX Wellington Help Camp Quality’s Street Appeal

APX is proud to support Camp Quality who pride themselves on bringing fun, hope and happiness to children living with cancer. On November 29, members of the APX Wellington team helped raise funds in their street appeal. In just two hours, the team raised an outstanding $5,200. Margot Dow, APX Head of Government said, “it was a privilege to be a small part of such a great cause and we were all humbled by the generosity and friendliness of the people of Wellington. We look forward to doing it all again next year.”

 
APX Air New Zealand Awarded Airline of the Year-1

Air New Zealand Awarded Airline of the Year

APX are excited to celebrate Air New Zealand winning 2020 Airline of the Year. This is the sixth time Air NZ have received this top honour in AirlineRatings.com’s Airline Excellence Awards. The airline also won Best Premium Economy for the sixth time in a row.

AirlineRatings.com’s panel of seven judges, who have more than 200 years of aviation experience between them, assess airlines on 12 key criteria. This includes customer reviews, product offerings, safety, fleet age, profitability and environmental leadership. AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief, Geoffrey Thomas says Air New Zealand remains on top in virtually every category, which is an extraordinary achievement.

 

APX Holidays Team Here to Help

As part of helloworld Travel, APX Holidays has access to hundreds of leading deals. APX have a dedicated team of leisure consultants across the country, like Jenny Gallagher, who’ll find the best deals for the holiday you’re after. Jenny says she’s looking forward to summer getaways, but it’s always time to think about your next trip. “Make sure you at least have a winter escape booked!”

She adds, “I’d love to help you. When you contact APX Holidays, we’ll do all the work of searching for your ideal holiday; creating an itinerary you’ll love, securing the best available deals and booking. Plus, we can give you 15% off comprehensive travel insurance, making sure you have everything you need for another amazing trip.” Contact Jenny and the team at APX Holidays to see what they can do for you. Call 0800 486 772 or email holidays@apx.co.nz.

 

The Hotel Britomart Reaches Milestone

The Hotel Britomart in downtown Auckland has shared an update with APX after construction reached a new milestone. The final exterior panel was lifted into place and work now commences on the interior fitout. The 10-floor hotel on Galway Street in the downtown Britomart precinct will contain 99 guest rooms and five luxurious suites. It is scheduled to open in mid-2020 and will be New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel. The construction involves the reactivation of its entire city block, which will create a new laneway where Karen Walker and Huffer will open.

 
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Qantas Group's Zero Emissions Target

The Qantas Group will reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 in a major expansion of the airline’s commitment to a more sustainable aviation industry. This is the most ambitious emissions target for any airline group globally. Their actions to achieve this, which they have already started, include:

  • Doubling the number of customer flights they offset, matching every dollar spent by their customers who select to fly carbon neutral
  • Capping net emissions from 2020 onwards
  • Investing $50 million into the development of a sustainable aviation fuel industry

Find out more about their announcement here.

 

Sofitel Wellington’s New Club Lounge Experience

In February, Sofitel Wellington will open their new Club Lounge and have shared details of it with APX. When staying in a Club Sofitel Room, guests can access the exclusive lounge, located on the lobby level. Inspired by Sofitel’s French art de vivre, Club Sofitel will be a stylish yet informal environment where guests can relax, work, socialise and indulge. It will offer concierge services, refreshments throughout the day, a light breakfast with a la carte options, signature Sofitel experiences such as ‘Le Goûter’ afternoon tea and Apéro Chic aperitif hour with premium beverages and a selection of canapés.

 

Emirates 50th Anniversary at the Dubai Rugby Sevens

Emirates has wrapped up the milestone 50th edition of the Dubai Rugby Sevens after three action-packed days of rugby, entertainment and music which over 100,000 fans attended. A fantastic weekend particularly for New Zealanders, where the Black Ferns Sevens defended their title with a 17-14 win over Canada. Entertainment came from international pop-star Kylie Minogue who performed an exhilarating show. The event also including two jaw dropping Emirates A380 flypasts over the stadium.