Airport Experience® News - Food & Beverage Issue 2024

18 Quicker Food, Broader Impact Celebrity chefs have been gravitating to airports over the past decade or more. But, what started as a way to bring fine dining to airports evolved into more casual approaches over the years. Recently, seeking maximum exposure and sales volume, several celebrity chefs have launched QSR restaurants. 26 Distillery Demand U.S. consumers have embraced local spirits and local distillers in recent years. Several distillers are upping their visibility by partnering for airport locations as demand for airport bars expands. 32 Better-For-You Options Travelers – and particularly younger travelers who are beginning to make their mark on the industry – have signaled their desires for healthier, better for-you food and beverage options in airports. Operators have complied with a range of choices. challenging marketplace for brands. They do, however, share synergies with other non-trad venues such as stadiums, university campuses, national parks and others. And, as brand owners can attest, non-trad environments offer unparalleled brand exposure opportunities. 40 Cross-Industry Synergies Some of the largest airport concessions developers and operators are active in other non-traditional venues as well. While each type of location is unique, significant synergies can be gained. 44 Airport Innovation Centers When it comes to the passenger experience, airports want to be on the forefront. Rather than adopt third-party technology solutions, some airports are researching new approaches in their in-airport innovation centers. SPECIAL SECTION 36 The Non-Traditional Path Airports are a unique and sometimes SPECIAL SECTION

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6 Letter From The Editor 8 Data Check

It’s been a long time coming, but the latest data from ratings agency Fitch shows full pandemic recovery for its portfolio of airports as a group. Still, while 23 airports exceeded 2019 numbers, 15 still fell short. 10 Latest Buzz Passenger traffic at Key West International Airport is booming, prompting an expansion that upgrades the facility while keeping the island vibe.

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48 One-on-One The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is underway. Jennifer Aument, CEO of the public-private partnership, shares the latest developments with AXN.

14 Director’s Chair Karen Feaster has spent

51 Advertising Index 52 Before You Take Off

her entire career at Daytona Beach International Airport. Named airport director in 2020, Feaster is making her mark with a revitalized terminal and growing passenger traffic.

The Orchestrina at Los Angeles International Airport brings art to passenger throughways in the form of music.

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AX NEWS JUNE 2024