Airport Experience® News - ACDBE & Small Business Issue 2024

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15 Distinguished Operators AXN announces its first six ACDBEs of Distinction. Members of the AX Advisory Group and other valued colleagues nominated ACDBE-certified operators that excel in airport concessions. 28 Partnering For Success ACDBE-certified companies have long partnered with primes on airport opportunities. But increasingly, these small businesses are looking to each other, merging talents and resources to bid on new contracts. 34 The University Edge Airports are keen to tap into local talent and knowledge. What better place to look than to nearby universities? New partnerships are building a solid bedrock of incoming talent and supporting cutting-edge innovation projects at airports nationwide.

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4 Letter From The Editor 6 Data Check

A McKinsey & Company report released in May suggests continuing strong demand for travel, but new consumer demands could require some pivots. 8 Latest Buzz Destination CLT is a multi-year, $4 billion investment in capacity enhancement currently underway at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. Concourse A will be coming on stream soon. 12 Director’s Chair Kansas City International Airport over the past decade from her seat in the properties and development department. Now, with a brand-new terminal open and running smoothly, she’s in the director’s chair making plans for the future. Melissa Cooper witnessed a remarkable transformation of

40 Airlines Travel demand is rising and, for the most part, the nation’s airlines are thriving. But a shakeout is in the works, especially among ultra-low-cost carriers, experts say. 43 Advertising Index 44 What Once Was Lost Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is using artificial intelligence to reconnect travelers with lost items.

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AX NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2024