We round-up some of the latest ACI World Business Partner stories from across the globe.
‘Dynamic and hyperlocal’ donut concept opens at YVR
WHSmith North America (WHSNA) has partnered with local-favourite, Lee’s Donuts, to open a new location at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
The brand is known across the Metro Vancouver region for providing a fast, friendly and familiar customer experience, in addition to the delicious donut creations handmade fresh daily.
“With our mission to deliver dynamic and hyperlocal concepts to our airport partners across the continent, Lee’s Donuts stood out to us as the perfect representation of Vancouver and a natural choice for partnership,” said Toby Keir, CEO of WHSmith North America.
While YVR’s director of passenger retail experience, Benedict Ma, noted: “Lee’s Donuts is a perfect addition to the outstanding [F&B] options available to passengers – especially those looking for a sweet treat before boarding. This partnership supports our goal to bring beloved local businesses into the terminal, showcasing the best of Vancouver’s food scene at YVR.”
New outlets bring local flavour to LAX’s Terminal 3
Local and minority businesses are powering the success of the dining and retail offerings in the new Terminal 3 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Local brands now represented in the terminal include Alfred, Fat Sal’s, Homeboy, Native by Nyesha and Yakumi, courtesy of the airport’s partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports and Delta Air Lines.
“We’re excited to offer LAX guests a range of unique, locally-inspired experiences, while supporting the growth of remarkable businesses,” says Karim Webb, president of LAX’s Board of Airport Commissioners.
“This celebration is a testament to the power of diversity, inclusion and community engagement. These efforts are proof that our partnerships with URW and Delta Air Lines are not just about enhancing the travel experience, but prioritising and championing local and minority-owned businesses that reflect and showcase the best of Los Angeles.”
SITA opens technology hub in Romania
SITA has announced the opening of a new technology hub in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, aimed at advancing the future of air travel through cutting-edge innovation.
It notes that the new hub strengthens its global network of technology centres and is set to play a critical role in addressing the most pressing challenges facing the aviation industry today – enhancing operational efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and delivering seamless passenger experiences.
The Cluj-Napoca hub joins a network of SITA technology hubs in London (United Kingdom), Letterkenny Ireland), and New Delhi (India), and will focus on developing solutions that transform passenger processing and travel technologies.
“As the aviation industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, our new tech hub in Cluj-Napoca will help accelerate the development of technologies that meet growing passenger demand for faster, smarter, and greener travel,” said SITA CEO, David Lavorel.
“The hub plays a crucial role in modernising passenger processing globally, with a focus on automation, biometrics, and AI, enabling more seamless and efficient travel solutions.”
As part of the hub’s launch event, a Letter of Intent was signed by Sergio Colella, SITA’s president for Europe, and Dan Nicorescu, chief operations officer at Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport to establish a strategic framework for sharing expertise and pursuing joint initiatives to advance airport technology.
Sydney Airport announces shake-up of Domestic Travel Essentials
Sydney Airport has announced that Lagardère AWPL has been awarded the Domestic Travel Essentials retail contract following a successful tender.
It reveals that the new retail offering will span 2,500sqm across 14 locations and aims to “redefine the traditional news, books and convenience model” by including technology and pharmacy, LEGO stores, and a new concept from Relay.
The new stores will provide passengers with the opportunity to pick up the essentials across a number of convenient locations before they board.
As part of the new retail offering, Sydney Airport will now showcase one of the largest Travel Essentials stores in Australia with a mega store of over 650sqm in T2 Domestic.
Mark Zaouk, Sydney Airport’s group executive for commercial, commented: “We’re flipping the script on the traditional travel essentials model to deliver a new and fresh concept for travellers who desire more from their airport experience at Australia’s busiest airport terminal.
“Our goal is to create a collaborative environment where anything is possible, ensuring that customer service goes beyond five stars to deliver a world-class experience, and Lagardère AWPL’s creative vision aligns perfectly with that goal – we’re excited to see their plans realised at our domestic terminals.”
EMMA
Membership Region: Europe
Type of Business: IT & Communications
W: www.emma.aero
EMMA is a SaaS-based, AI-driven platform for airports, airlines, and other stakeholders that creates a unique, real-time and forecasted view on operations and performance. How does EMMA create value Through efficient and transparent information sharing; effective decision-making; and enhanced predictability of airport operations.
AIRPORT ENGINEERING SERVICES
Membership Region: Asia-Pacific & Middle East
Type of Business: Consulting & Management
W: www.airportengr.com
Airport Engineering Services (AES) has led and supported the development, expansion, ORAT and operations of major international airports both within the US and across the globe. The company’s vision is to provide reliable airport engineering consultancy services for its customers, progressively raising the bar with achievements.
YARDI SYSTEMS INC
Membership Region: North America
Type of Business: Investment
W: www.yardi.com
Yardi is solely dedicated to the design, development, and support of real estate investment management and property management software. We continue to develop and deliver software and services with the highest commitment to responsiveness, quality, innovation, and customer focus.