Open for business: WBP News

We round-up some of the latest ACI World Business Partner stories from across the globe.

Xovis technology aiding customer satisfaction at ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has bolstered its passenger-centric profile with the terminal-wide installation of dynamic passenger information totems powered by accurate, real-time data from Xovis.

A total of 18 totems have been installed around pre-security areas at ATL that are designed as guideposts to keep passengers informed of expected wait times, subsequently reducing the stress associated with uncertainty at mission-critical terminal touchpoints.

The totems are just the latest example of the strong commitment to innovation that has helped make ATL one of the world’s most efficient airports. They are also an important development in the airport’s use of objective, privacy-compliant data from Xovis’ AI-powered sensors, which

ATL has used for nearly a decade to optimise terminal operations and enhance the passenger experience.

“The idea behind the passenger information totems is simple: Informed passengers are happier passengers,” says David Sconzo, ATL’s senior customer experience manager.

“Keeping 45,000,000 passengers happy is a top priority for ATL, and achieving that in an automated way, a way that maximises resource value with data from Xovis, is a win-win.”

Airport Dimensions expands in South America

Airport Dimensions is bringing sleep solution brand ‘sleep ‘n fly’ and leading shared-use lounge brand, The Club, to South America for the first time, starting with Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in January 2025.

Up until now the company’s sleep n’ fly product has only be offered in the Middle East. Like in other location’s, LIM’s 4,600 square foot facility will provide upto 92 travellers with access to a private, stress-free environment to unwind, sleep, refresh and recharge, whether for a short rest or a longer stay.

The Club, the largest shared-use lounge brand in the US market spanning over twenty locations across North America, will also launch its biggest ever space at LIM, bringing its acclaimed lounge facilities to the region.

“We are thrilled to be part of this transformative chapter for Lima Airport,” notes the company’s vice president for Latin America, Giorgio Benza.

“This is just the beginning for us, as we look forward to opening two more spaces in Lima and are excited to be expanding our offering and bring even more value and services to South America.”

Good end to year for Alstef

Alstef has successfully completed the installation of a new baggage system system at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Sint Maarten in the Caribbean and been awarded the contract to expand the BHS at Zagreb International Airport in Croatia.

The SXM project was part of the airport’s comprehensive recovery and modernisation plan overseen by the World Bank following the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The newly installed BHS will play a vital role in supporting the airport’s operations as a major gateway to key regional destinations, including Anguilla, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy.

The system, which includes two in-line Standard 3 CT X-ray machines – was installed in multiple phases over the past three years and is designed to enhance operational efficiency, streamline passenger experiences, and ensure secure and effective baggage processing for travellers across the region.

The Zagreb contract builds upon Alstef’s initial installation of the airport’s baggage handling system in 2014, which has since been managed and maintained by an on-site Alstef team to ensure continuous, reliable service.

The expansion project will add a new check-in island equipped with 15 check-in desks, allowing the airport to accommodate rising passenger numbers. Additionally, Alstef will integrate an extra screening line along with a full suite of conveyors to connect the new check-in area with the existing screening and make-up carousels.

Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2025, Alstef believes that the project underscores its commitment to delivering innovative, scalable solutions that drive efficiency and support growth at Zagreb International Airport.

New duty free partnership at Schiphol

Amsterdam Schiphol has announced that it will strengthen its successful partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail for the operation of more than 20 duty-free stores behind security control from May 2025.

According to the Dutch hub, the strengthened partnership will take the form of a joint venture in which Lagardère Travel Retail has 70% of the shares and Schiphol 30%.

With this, Schiphol says that it “is taking a significant step in the renewal of the retail offer at the airport and improving the experience for passengers”.

Earlier this year, Schiphol invited retail parties to compete for a ten-year strategic partnership for the categories perfume and cosmetics, sunglasses, tobacco, liquor and chocolate. After an intensive selection process, Lagardère was chosen, and Schiphol and Lagardère were able to seal their co-operation agreement.

“The expansion of the co-operation with Lagardère Travel Retail is a very important moment for Schiphol in the implementation of our new retail strategy,”enthuses Arthur Reijnhart, executive director of Schiphol Commercial.

“The goal is to exceed the expectations of our passengers, and we are convinced that together with Lagardère Travel Retail we can achieve this.”

CLEAR CHANNEL AIRPORTS

Membership Region: North America

Type of Business: Retail & Commercial

W: www.clearchannelairports.com

Clear Channel Airports is a leader in airport advertising, operating in the biggest and busiest airports in the US and the world. Its premier network of display advertising programmes include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare and Denver international airports. Working within each individual airport’s parameters and guidelines its display programmes enhance the visual quality of terminals and concourses.

HORIZON CONSUMER SCIENCE

Membership Region: Asia-Pacific & Middle East

Type of Business: IT & Communications

W: horizonconsumerscience.com

Based in the US, Horizon Consumer Science specialises in understanding travelling consumers, from the time they leave home to the time they return. Over more than 30 years it has helped airports, retailers and brands develop their offerings for travellers, troubleshoot problems that occur along the way and track and evaluate performance. It has produced the Travel Retail Catalyst Study (TraCS) since 2012.

WOOLPERT

Membership Region: North America

Type of Business: Planning & Construction

W: www.woolpert.com

Woolpert provides complete planning, design, environmental, enterprise information management (EIM), surveying, and aerial mapping/remote sensing services for capital improvement programmes. Its resourceful and innovative aviation professionals support the sustainability of projects by utilising a wide range of project delivery methods, including traditional design-bid, programme management, design-build, and construction administration services.