Airport Experience® News - Pre-Conference Issue 2025

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18 Food Forecast Restaurant consultants say interesting flavor combinations, exotic and spicy food and experiential elements are all making their ways onto restaurant menus this year. 22 Sustainability Moves Concessions programs are a key part of airport-wide sustainability initiatives, and airports are implementing new strategies for reducing waste, using recyclable materials and reaching other sustainability targets. 28 The 2025 Finalists The AX Team received several hundred nominations for the 2025 AX Awards. These are the ones that were selected for the final round of voting.

4 Letter From The Editor 6 Data Check

Leading airports are increasingly reliant on food and beverage in their concessions programs, while duty free and specialty retail are losing share, data from the AX Fact Book shows. 10 Latest Buzz Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s FATforward multi-year expansion program includes a new terminal wing, expanded security checkpoints and other improvements to serve a growing passenger base. 14 Director’s Chair Ontario International Airport’s Atif Elkadi is guiding the airport through a multi-year growth spurt. Concessions are a heavy focus, with increasing reliance on local brands and an innovative partnership that is upending the concessions model.

36 Airlines Airline performances were all over the map last year. Premium carriers generally fared well due primarily to increased reliance on ancillary revenues. Meanwhile, ultra low cost carriers are struggling due to high overheads. 39 Advertising Index 40 Before You Take Off Two snowplows at Bradley International

Airport carry charming new names, the results of a contest involving area elementary schools.

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AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2025