Sponsored by Leader The future travel experience


TRBusiness reported live from the Future Travel Experience (FTE) conference in Dublin this June and was both excited and inspired by how the passenger journey could evolve in the next 10-20 years. From advanced biometric scanning,


to genuinely appealing augmented reality solutions to driverless transfers,


attendees heard from a wide range of tech companies which will revolutionise travel in the coming years…and perhaps a lot quicker than a lot of us think. Whilst none of these ideas can become reality without considerable


investment, continual improvements in technology could make at least some of these solutions affordable in as little as a couple of years. So how does retail fit into the picture? Well, unfortunately it looks


like progress is going to be a lot slower…at least if the traditional airport retail business model cannot be changed. However, the beginnings of this much-needed change may be


upon us, as conference attendees in Dublin heard during a panel session on a potentially ground-breaking ‘BARTA’ initiative, which seeks to exploit commercial relationships via technology to drive passenger spending, both onboard and on the ground.


‘This is only the beginning’ During the major travel tech show in Ireland (held on 26-27 June), TRBusiness led a panel discussion on the new ‘Brands, Airlines, Retailers, Technology Providers and Airports’ (BARTA) initiative at Budapest Airport (BUD). As explored in more detail on p7, a new agreement between


Heinemann Duty Free, Budapest Airport and Wizz Air has the potential to create €800,000 ($895,000) in additional Wizz Air Café onboard sales alone, according to partners involved in the BARTA initiative. The audience was indeed intrigued by details of the new


agreement and the session itself threw up many questions from delegates, as well as fellow panellist – not involved in the BARTA initiative – Baron Frankal, Director of Strategy, from Manchester Airports Group (MAG). While some seemed dubious when first hearing about the new


commercial agreement, by the end of the session they appeared to be convinced that this was indeed a ‘very interesting’ idea which could have real positive consequences for our industry. I was personally inundated with questions prior to and shortly


following the session about the exact details of this new partnership, which surely is only a good indication as to how much potential (to increase retail revenue) this trial between Heinemann, Wizz Air and Budapest Airport really has. Of course, it is still early days for BARTA and none of the


participants are at all deluded by the very real obstacles they still face. As panellist Ildikó Jankovich, Managing Director, Heinemann Hungary highlighted, “this is only the beginning. We have started to explore many opportunities for collaborative ways of working.”


Charlotte Turner, Managing Editor JULY 2017 TRBUSINESS 13 LAX partners with Westfield,


Hudson/Dufry/Areas at T3 Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and airport developer Westfield have announced plans for seven new retail and F&B offerings at Delta Air Lines Terminal 3 as part of LAX’s overall modernisation programme. The new retail ventures, operated by Hudson Group, include


Moshi, Hudson LAXpress and Soundstage by Hudson. The collection includes ‘a broad range’ of accessories, electronics and travel essentials that will enhance the experience for travellers flying through T3. “Hudson Group and Dufry are proud to bring fresh and exciting


improvements to LAX Terminal 3, which will further transform the travel experience for airport customers in LA,” said Joseph DiDomizio, President & CEO, Hudson Group & Division CEO North America, Dufry.


Expansion of important partnerships “We’ve partnered with Westfield and Los Angeles World Airports for many years in Terminals 3, 6 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal and we’re proud to expand our partnerships with one of the country’s busiest airports.” The new development follows the completion of works last


year in Terminals 2 and 6 by LAX and Westfield – as well as the extensive refurbishment of the Tom Bradley International Terminal back in 2013. In addition to the retail additions, LAX and Westfield are also


introducing four new local LA-based restaurants, including Ashland Hill and The Parlor. Describing the offer, the two partners said: “Ashland Hill’s food


has been called ‘nuanced and delicious’ with menus that draw from its Californian roots and The Parlor, an iconic LA gastro pub, is a classic ode to the ‘good old’ days’ with well-crafted cocktails and a warm, nostalgic dining experience.” Rob Walker, Delta’s Managing Director-LAX Redevelopment


added: “These exciting local brands will give travellers a taste of LA and provide more food and beverage and retail options in Terminal 3, following our move at LAX. “Our goal is to create the best airport experience in LA,


and we intend to make that happen in partnership with LAWA and Westfield.”


LEADER/NEWS


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