Singapore Airlines A380 to commence the Singapore-Hong Kong route

Singapore Airlines will fly the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, on the Singapore-Hong Kong route from 9 July 2009. The daily A380 flights will replace an existing daily B777-300ER service to Hong Kong, representing an increase of 10% in seat capacity to the city. Following the commencement of the A380 service, SQ862, from Singapore to Hong Kong, will be renumbered SQ856. SQ856 will depart Singapore Changi Airport at 0945hrs and arrive in Hong Kong at 1330hrs. On the return leg, SQ861 will depart Hong Kong International Airport at 1600hrs and touch down in Singapore at 1940hrs.
Passengers flying the A380 between Singpapore and Hong Kong will experience unrivalled standards of luxury and sophistication in air travel, with Business Class travellers able to enjoy one of the widest seats in the sky, with each seat having direct access to the aisle.
 

An oasis of calm in a mad world

Escape to a luxurious haven within the heart of Auckland City, where you can enjoy magnificent accommodation overlooking the peaceful Myers Park or the tree lined Greys Avenue.  Centrally located amongst splendid park surroundings the Duxton Hotel Auckland is ideally positioned within walking distance to the major shopping and entertainment areas and has easy access to and from the city's motorways. The hotel itself features recently refurbished and classically styled accommodation rooms each with their own kitchen, laundry and private balcony. On site there are 3 function rooms, a restaurant, bar, gym, pool, Jacuzzi and secured parking. This luxury boutique hotel offers the features and services expected from a much larger hotel but with the intimate feeling that only the Duxton can provide.  Click here for "What's hot".

Save $40 on 4 day rentals with Avis

Rent with Avis between 01 June and 31 October 2009 you will save $40 on rentals of 4 days or more. Plus, New Zealand Fly Buys members can earn one Fly Buys point for every $20 you spend*.  To take advantage of this special offer, please talk to your Executive Travel consultant or click here for more details and to make a booking.

**Add Portable GPS Navigation for only $9.95* per day and use the power of GPS Navigation to guide you to your destination, turn by turn. Simply select GPS Navigation as an Optional Extra during the booking process.

Paris marathon - April 2010

After the Auckland & New York marathons last year, Kerre Woodham and trainer Gaz Brown are bringing together their inspiration and humour to escort a group to the Paris Marathon in 2010.  We will be hosting an informaton evening about this tour at:

Sale St
7 Sale Street, Auckland
Monday 20th July
5:30 - 7.00pm

Come and join us for drinks and nibbles and find out what the trip has to offer.  There is no obligation to sign up on the night.  For more information see here and register your interest with Mandy.

Buy a twin seat at check-in and get twice the space

Air New Zealand is now offering its Pacific Economy passengers the chance to buy a guaranteed extra seat at check in, subject to availability.  They call this Twin Seat and it is great if you want to enjoy a little extra room in-flight.  The cost of an extra seat starts from $99.  Click here for more information.

Escape to fabulous Fiji

Whether you're a first-time traveller or a regular visitor to this magical desination, the friendliness and smiles of its local people combined with the unique personality of each and every one of its resorts and hotels will always ensure your holiday is a memorable one.  Literally on our back doorstep with only a 3 hour flight from Auckland, picture yourself on a perfect romantic getaway, a relaxing holiday with family and friends or on the fun-filled off the beaten track adventure.  Experience palm-fringed resorts, beautiful beaches, friendly people and outstanding diving - just some of the attractions Fiji offers.  There are fantastic packages on sale until 19th July which include return Air Pacific airfares, 4 nights accommodation, return coach transfers and many other bonuses from $699 per person, share twin ex Auckland.  See here for details.

Air New Zealand Premium Economy

Passengers travelling in Premium Economy with Air New Zealand are now entitled to the same baggage allowance as business class passengers provided you are on Air New Zealand flights. If part of your journey includes codeshare flights or flights on other airlines the baggage allowance for Economy will apply. For details of the exact baggage allowance for your next flight please click here.

How to travel smarter to Australia

Australian customs is firmly behind its Smart Gate initiative at Auckland Airport, designed to speed up the immigration process.  Self processing is an especially viable option for business travellers who are short of time.  The technology, open to ePassport holders 18 years and over, uses data stored in the document as well as face recognition technology.  Anyone who has a New Zealand passport issued since 2005, when ePassports were introduced, can use the three Smart Gate kiosks at Auckland airport, although Australian research suggests the number of people actually seizing the opportunity is only around 10% of all eligible Kiwis heading across the ditch.  Eligible travellers to Australia can complete the first stage of their entry processing prior to leaving New Zealand.  This leaves only the final step, passing through the actual gate to complete once the traveller has arrived in Australia.  The last step takes less than 20 seconds to complete.  Savvy fliers departing Auckland can use the system at Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth & Cairns airports.

Australia customs advises that while over 350,000 in total who have used the technology have responded positively, there are no current plans to install the gates at other NZ airports.  However more are being rolled out across Australia - signs on the Smart Gate kiosks at Auckland will tell you if your destination has been added to the list.