Cargolux

The Hotel Committee would like to share the following information:

General
In the last CPO update, Travel Services as well as the Hotel Committee were thanked for their efforts and collaboration, which was well received. 

We would like to take the opportunity to also express our appreciation for the cooperation and efforts undertaken by Travel Services and CPO to ensure adequate accommodation is provided and catering standards are improved.

Furthermore we see improvements and efforts undertaken in respect to our travel rights. DWC has lifted most of their restrictions allowing us to travel to and through Dubai now. Unfortunately, for the time being the CAO restriction still applies. Also, flights between DWC and China and to the US are not possible. In addition to that, Travel Services is also working on improving My-ID travel. The latest improvement was to also allow Travel Partners. Further details can be found on the Cargolux Intranet page.

Having a mutual understanding of each other’s needs and a transparent process to find viable solutions contributes to a trustful and efficient relationship. As we see this as a success story we hope to be able to expand this way of collaboration to other areas within the company for the benefit of all of us. 

Breakfast in the US
We are aware of the fact that having an adequate breakfast can be a challenge in various stations in the US. We apologize for the inconvenience and rest assured that we try to resolve the deficiencies as soon as they surface with the help of travel services. Unfortunately some hotels keep changing their procedures without notice which makes it important that you notify us via a copy of your filed Voyage Report whenever you experience such a deficiency.

LAX
So far we received mainly positive feedback on the move to Marina del Rey, however, one justified aspect of criticism was an insufficient quality of the breakfast buffet. We are happy to inform you that as of now you should receive a breakfast voucher, which, in addition to the provided buffet, entitles you to have an Omelette, one fresh Orange Juice and a fruit bowl. We hope that this helps to mitigate the reported short comming.

UBER green
As already published in the CPO update from 10APR2024 it was requested to use „UBER green“. The Hotel Committee would like to promote the idea and encourage you to use it whenever the potential additional waiting times are acceptable to you.

Although it might seem exaggerated, sustainability is an increasing requirement and as the percentage of carbon free transfers is registered, it comes with a positive impact.

We also made an enquiry regarding potential insufficient accident insurance by Uber. We received the response that Cargolux has it’s own accident insurance for employees on duty thus providing the full coverage.

Meanwhile please provide us with feedback and copies of your reports to cvcatering@alpl.lu and cvhotels@alpl.lu.

We would like to share some updates on:

Catering
We are happy to announce that Cargolux Senior Management has approved the purchase of a Catering App! This App will allow us to individually order meals and set preferences before flights. Once implemented we will start to use it ex LUX.

We were also able to change the catering provider in CGO to increase food quality. Catering was tested and reviewed in LUX resulting in bigger hot meals with different variety. The lids on the hot meals can be used in our ovens and are heat certified. They are made of a biodegradable material and not plastic. We hope that you perceive those changes as an improvement and if you feel to send us your feedback, please include the meal no. in the Voyage Report.

The current onboard catering expiry time of 18 hours triggered some unnecessary catering uplifts on stations with poor food quality. We therefore try to extend the limit to 24 hours after certain conditions are met.

We were also able to convince the company to replace the unpopular bamboo cutlery sets. They will be replaced as soon as the items are out of stock.

Last but not least, we are negotiating with TPE, NRT and GYD station to improve catering quality with more to come. 

In general, we are very happy to have improved the dialogue with our colleagues in the Travel Services Department.  

Hotels
LAX 
Unfortunately, we are facing a change to our well-liked Hotel in Redondo Beach. The new corporate management of the Sonesta has significantly increased the rate for a contract extension/continuation proposal. An attempt for a dialogue and a compromise with the Sonesta hotel management remained unsuccessful.  We were therefore forced to start a new tender process for new hotels starting from of 1^st Jan 2025. 

We surveyed more than 30 hotels, did 5 on-side inspections and recommended to move to the Courtyard Marriott in Marina Del Rey, which we find a very suitable alternative.

Beginning 01MAY 2024, the Courtyard Marina Del Rey confirmed to host us as our new crew hotel including the following benefits exclusively for Cargolux:

• 20% off outlets (excluding bottles of wine)
• Complimentary bike rentals
• 50% discount on Kayaks & SUPs.
• A „water-taxi-shuttle-service“ in the vicinity for 2 USD p.p.,
• A shuttle bus in the vicinity, available via an app and complimentary.

Considering these extensive benefits plus the location we are optimistic that you will appreciate the new hotel and its location in walking distance to Venice Beach.

TPE 
With a similar situation as in LAX, the Hotel Committee had to perform a tender process in TPE, also resulting in a move: As of the 01JUN2024 the Shangri La Hotel is planned to accommodate us. While the direct area around is not as lively as what we are used to in the Grand Hyatt, it is only 20 minutes walking distance away from the familiar area around the Taipei 101. 

CGK 
It is planned to recommence layovers in Jakarta and the Hotel Committee is in a dialogue with Travel Services Department about the hotel selection. The previous Mercure crew hotel was not received very well and therefore we will inform you as soon we have additional info.

In the meantime, we continue to ask you to provide us with feedback and copies of your reports to cvcatering@alpl.lu and cvhotels@alpl.lu.