NEC New Zealand has been working in partnership with Metlink to add free WiFi to the new Airport Express (AX) fully
electric bus service that will operate between Wellington International Airport and Wellington Railway Station.
This means that travellers arriving at Wellington will have access to free WiFi from the moment they land, right through
to their arrival in the city centre, with Wellington International Airport also offering free WiFi to all travellers and
local visitors.The new Airport Express service
The new fully electric Airport Express (AX) service will commence on Friday 1 July 2022 and will run between Wellington
International Airport and Wellington Railway Station.
It is a premium service provided by Metlink, the public transport wing of Greater Wellington, connecting the airport
with Metlink’s train and bus networks across the wider Wellington region.
The AX will be operated by Transdev’s Mana Newlands Coach Services and will include ten purpose-built electric buses.
The buses will run a high frequency service of approximately 10-20 minutes depending on the time of the day and the
timetable has been designed around key arrivals and departures at the airport.
The AX will offer a direct route from the railway station, running along Lambton Quay and through Kilbirnie to the
airport.Keeping travellers connected
NEC New Zealand has partnered with Metlink to provide free WiFi to all passengers onboard the Airport Express.
The free WiFi will use the Vodafone 4G network for connectivity and the WiFi hardware was supplied by Complete-Coms,
another NEC New Zealand partner.
As a Wellington-based company, NEC was delighted to be involved in this project, bringing greater connectivity to
travellers while welcoming international visitors back to Wellington.
The free WiFi service will be ideal for travellers landing from overseas who may not have had the opportunity to arrange
for a local SIM card. Having access to free WiFi on the commute to the city means people can find out more about the
capital, where they are staying and things to do, helping them explore the Wellington region.
As well as free WiFi, the AX buses are also fitted out with USB ports under every seat, allowing passengers to charge
their devices as they travel and ensuring they are ready to explore the city.24/7 Support
NEC New Zealand has provided the solution and carried out the installation that will enable the free WiFi service on the
Airport Express.
In addition, NEC New Zealand is also providing 24/7 support through our helpdesk and local support team.Keeping Wellington connected
Mel Barber, Managing Director at NEC New Zealand is delighted with the roll out of the service, “As a Wellington-based business, we are proud to be involved in a project that brings greater connectivity both to
travellers and local residents that commute to the airport from the CBD.
“The vision of Metlink to provide sustainable transport options for the Wellington Region through this electric bus
service is a huge positive for the region. The opportunity to add free WiFi to the Airport Express service was something
we were excited to be involved with and we are looking forward to seeing the impact for travellers, especially as we
start to welcome international travellers back to Wellington.”
Metlink’s public transport network serves the wider Wellington region, including Wellington city, the Hutt Valley,
Porirua, Kāpiti Coast and the Wairarapa.
There are more than 38 million journeys a year on the Metlink bus, rail, and harbour ferry transport network. Metlink
has 5 rail lines, nearly 100 public bus routes, more than 180 school bus services and a harbour ferry service.
The new AX service is the latest addition to the ever-growing network, helping to keep Wellington connected.
Metlink General Manager Samantha Gains said she was thrilled the Airport Express offered passengers greater
connectivity.
“The Airport Express is a great addition to our extensive public transport network in the Wellington region. We are proud
to be offering another sustainable, fully electric travel option that connects air travellers to our wider network.
“NEC New Zealand has helped Metlink make the Airport Express a premium service. Not only are we connecting travellers to
the airport and the Wellington region, we are connecting them to the digital world.”
The new Airport Express service is cost competitive with rideshare services, taxis, and shuttles.
You can read more about the Airport Express on the Metlink website and discover more about the Wellington region on the Greater Wellington website.
Learn more about NEC New Zealand and their solutions on the official NEC New Zealand website.