WINTER 2022 / V20 N239
NAVIGATING THE FUNDING FUNNEL SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES CHOKE REBOUND FRICTIONLESS CHECKOUT & A NEW RETAIL EXPERIENCE
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14 Money Talks
Airports are readying projects as they eye the federal infrastructure money earmarked for airports. Meantime, some earlier designated recovery funds from the government have yet to make their way to concessionaires.
20 Chain, Chain, Chain
Supply chain issues abound, to say the least. From lack of product to lack of hands to stock, prepare and sell that product, concessions managers across the country are juggling challenges as they try to meet passenger expectations.
24 Rethinking Retail
3 Letter From the Editor-in-Chief 4 Data Check
30 A New Face
6 Latest Buzz
Airport retailers are expanding options for frictionless checkout experiences, and early results are promising.
Just a few years ago, many thought they had time to adjust to the increasing numbers of younger people in airports. In a postCovid world, the average traveler looks very different than before; what are their expectations?
AX Fact Book Data shows that, though passenger traffic was down overall in 2020, spend per enplaned passenger was actually greater that year than in 2019 for leading airports.
Orlando Melbourne International is preparing for growth with new international service and a nearcomplete terminal expansion.
10 Director’s Chair
New leader Chad Makovsky shares his vision for a rebounding Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
34 5&Under
The pilot shortage has only been exacerbated by the pandemic; smaller hubs that rely on alreadylimited service will suffer as airlines have to prioritize larger, fuller flights.
37 Advertising Index 38 Before You Take Off
Officials at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport wanted something innovative to solve their parking transportation issues, so they went gasless. Or driverless. Actually, they did both.
A X NEWS WINTER 2022
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SUPPLY CHAIN STRUGGLES Shortages And Delays Are Keeping Concessionaires On Their Toes BY SALLY KRAL
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A X NEWS WINTER 2022
The supply chain affects just about every aspect of our everyday lives. When all is going well and the supply chain is running as intended, it’s not something we even notice. That has changed dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “I think most people right now can relate to the situation of going to the store and they’re either out of the products you need or they’re not in the right size or your preferred brand,” says Patrick Murray, executive vice president of SSP America. “Right before Thanksgiving, my wife sent me to the grocery store for sage and rosemary and neither was on the shelf.” Murray points out that there’s a lot behind those herbs, from the farm where they’re grown to the packaging facility to the distributor to the produce company which ultimately gets them to stores and restaurants. “Every one of those businesses requires
WINTER 2022 / V20 N239