SPRING 2022 / V20 N241
WOOING PASSENGERS WITH
WHISKEY OFFERINGS DEMAND FOR WELLNESS PRODUCTS ACCELERATES THE STAYING POWER OF MEDICAL SERVICES NEW SOLUTIONS FOR ACDBE FINANCING 2022 AX CONFERENCE IN PICTURES
Our first Tropical Smoothie Cafe!
Photo credit: Starbucks
Starbucks @ OKC
The first airport Freddy’s!
Celebrating the ‘Firsts’ Your Order is Ready at OKC! Our new dining program at Will Rogers World Airport is a celebration of culinary excellence and “firsts,” including our new-look, new-style Vino Volo concept, the very first Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers in an airport, our first Tropical Smoothie Cafe and one of our first Starbucks, featuring Order & Pay Ahead through the Starbucks® app. We’re thrilled to offer OKC travelers such outstanding and diverse
The New Vino Volo with expanded menu and cocktails!
14
14 Whiskey Business
Beverage alcohol consumption trends show whiskey is on the rise among both men and women, and airports are offering a variety of options to appeal to both the novice and the discerning expert.
20 Funding on the Fly
ACDBEs have historically faced funding challenges, and those continue today. Some new approaches are gaining steam.
26 Doctor, Doctor
The pandemic inspired many airports across the country to introduce medical services for passengers and employees alike, but now they’re considering the future viability of these facilities.
30 Well(ness) Being
Consumers overall are more aware of health and wellness, especially when traveling. These services are experiencing increased demand as airports seek to encourage travelers to feel comfortable in the terminal.
34 AXC 2022 In Photos
The Airport Experience Conference was a vibrant event, packed with enriching content, valuable connections and inspiring individuals. Revisit the iconic show with this selection of photos.
36 The AX Awards
The AX Awards, held on the final night of the 2022 AX Conference, highlighted industry executives that have made a notable impact in this space. Relive the most exciting part of the evening with this selection of photos.
6
3 Letter From The Editor In Chief 4 Data Check
People want to travel, as evidenced by recent data, but ongoing pandemic worries and tight finances may affect summer travel plans.
6 Latest Buzz
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is wrapping up two major construction projects this year in hopes to accommodate anticipated growth and spotlight the state as a destination.
10 Director’s Chair
Traffic at Tampa International Airport is nearing prepandemic levels, and CEO Joe Lopano is excited for visitors to experience the new features it offers.
38 Sustainability Snapshot
With oil prices rising and an increased awareness of the impact of global air travel on the environment, many U.S. airports are beginning to eye carbon neutrality as a solution to multiple issues.
42 Advertising Index 43 Before You Take Off
Travelers and staff at John F. Kennedy International’s Terminal 5 were invited to contribute to a unique art installation.
A X N E W S S P RI N G 2 0 2 2
1
14
A X N E W S S P RI N G 2 0 2 2
Concessions Are Centered on Bourbon, Scotch, While Other Whiskies Are Trending Up BY SALLY KRAL At the 2022 Airport Experience Conference in Orlando, Fla., four businesses hoping to enter the airport environment presented their concepts for a panel of industry experts. One of these businesses was Oat Couture Oatmeal Café & Montgomery Scotch Lounge, a healthy, fast-casual breakfast and lunch spot by day and a scotch whisky lounge by night. “We know that there’s a huge market of people that enjoy scotch,” said founder Brian Montgomery about the business’s evening offering, pointing out that roughly one third of the whiskey market in the U.S. is scotch. “There are certain markets that maybe won’t get it at first, but I think the destination scotch drinker will find it, and the person looking for a unique airport experience will find it too.”
Although Montgomery Scotch Lounge hasn’t expanded its streetside concept to the airport yet, there are various U.S. airport shops, bars and experiences centered around whiskey in both duty free and duty paid terminals that are performing well as whiskey continues to gain more and more fans. “There’s no question that whiskey is of interest to the general public these days,” notes Kelly Woodcock, partner and vice president of guest experience and whiskey club for the Portland, Oregon-based distillery Westward Whiskey, which has an airport kiosk and tasting room at Portland International Airport (PDX). “There’s a long history of people being interested in whiskies from Scotland to Kentucky and they’re excited to visit the
Above, Right: Edrington Global Travel opened the first U.S. location of The Macallan Boutique at John F. Kennedy International Airport last fall in partnership with Duty Free Americas.
A X N E W S S P RI N G 2 0 2 2
15