Airport Experience® News - ACDBE & Small Business Issue 2024

LATEST BUZZ

he adds. “Additionally, the concourses feature both digital and sculptural art as well as displays that will educate and enhance the passenger experience.” For contractors JE Dunn, “our vision for this project is to create an exceptional space that delivers a world-class experience for travelers and airlines while upholding the highest standards of quality and safety,” says project executive Nick Christoffersen. Concessions Mix In addition to a state-of-the-art, spacious concourse, CLT passengers will soon be able to enjoy new and updated retail and concessions offerings from operators HMSHost (part of Avolta ), Paradies Lagardère , and DBE concessionaire SB&J Enterprises . HMSHost will manage the concourse’s new Dunkin’ Donuts, Crown Diner (which will also feature a bar program) and a relocated Great Wagon Road Distillery (formerly known as the Broken Spoke). “HMSHost has a longstanding relationship with Charlotte Douglas International Airport, so we have had a front-row seat to watch its exciting evolution and growth, and are proud to be a part of enhancing the passenger experience through food and beverage,” says Steve Johnson, president and CEO at Avolta North America of the concessionaire’s incoming concepts. “In

the Concourse A expansion, we took a very thoughtful, intentional approach to creating a dining experience that would fulfill the diverse needs of travelers at CLT. Passengers will see a mix of nationally recognized brands, local favorites, and proprietary concepts created exclusively for CLT. This is a wonderful example of collaboration that puts the traveler at the center of all we do.” Charlotte-based SB&J will manage a new retail concept called the Marketplace, while Paradies Lagardère will manage retail concepts iStore and Tripadvisor. At press time, an additional portfolio of retail offerings was in the works but not yet announced. “We appreciate our strong partnership with the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and are excited to support the Concourse A expansion with new and renovated retail offerings that include outstanding brands such as iStore and Tripadvisor,” says David Bisset, chief development officer for Paradies Lagardère. “Our activities in Concourse A are part of a larger effort as we will be unveiling a total of 13 new or renovated concepts across the airport that showcase an excellent blend of national brands and iconic local nameplates. With more than 50% of our retail program here being directly managed and operated by our excellent ACDBE partners, we are thrilled with the opportunity to continuously elevate the traveler experience in Charlotte.”

Elevating the traveler experience and bringing CLT’s facilities up-to-date are critical touchpoints to maintaining the airport’s robust economic contributions to the region, adds Christine. “As an economic engine of the Carolinas, CLT contributes $32 billion in annual economic output, $1.82 billion in state and local taxes, supports 151,575 jobs for North Carolina residents and $9.9 billion in personal income, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Aviation,” he notes. By improving CLT’s infrastructure, he says, the airport has future-proofed its facilities as passenger numbers continue to rise. Top, Above: The Concourse A project will add 10 gates, higher ceilings and a wider terminal feel. The project is on track to earn Green Globes certification due to its sustainability-focused building practices.

10

AX NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2024