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Food and retail outlets report as many as 50% of their jobs remain unfilled. That means longer waits and fewer options for passengers eager to return to the skies.
Kym Buttschardt, a founder of Ogden-based Roosters Brewing Co., has spent the past two years planning to launch a satellite restaurant at the new Salt Lake City International Airport. Now, with travelers vaccinated and excited to jet-set, she’s unsure she can meet the takeoff in demand. Read Full Article Here The acting head of the Transportation Security Administration has issued a memo warning that 131 of the nation’s largest airports will face staffing shortages this month while asking office workers to volunteer to assist with airport checkpoints.
Darby LaJoye, who is filling in as the agency’s administrator, wrote that help is needed as travel numbers are forecast to spike through the summer. The volunteers, who were told to expect to serve for up to 45 days, would not be able to screen passengers but could help manage queues and aid with administrative tasks. The acting head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reportedly warning that 131 of the largest airports in the U.S. will likely face staffing shortages this month, as air travel begins to pick up amid the nation’s COVID-19 recovery.
The Washington Post reported that acting TSA Administrator Darby LaJoye cautioned the staffing shortages in a memo to employees on May 30, while also asking office workers to volunteer to help at airport checkpoints. As the pandemic decimated travel a year ago, a top industry executive predicted that a major U.S. airline would go bankrupt and the carriers themselves warned of painful cuts to come. Now, with demand for tickets rebounding, airlines are predicting the summer will be almost normal, and some companies even say they could turn a profit. Read the Full Article Here Passenger counts are increasing, which feeds optimism, but they’re far from a level that can sustain business. Airports and operators have worked together well and that hopefully will continue as they start to collectively tackle longer-term challenges facing the concessions industry. Listen now as AXN’s Andy Tellijohn and Rob Wigington, executive director, Airport Restaurant & Retail Association, discuss this and much more.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE The mobile food ordering and delivery service at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is on a roll thanks to a new ambassador that barely sees eye-to-eye with most kids and doesn’t speak a word. Yet, it invites double-takes, smiles and pointed fingers from travelers as it rolls by on its delivery missions.
In partnership with AtYourGate, MSP ASAP has unleashed a rolling droid, called a gita (jee-tah), as part of a pilot program that enhances contactless food ordering capabilities in Terminal 1. "There is convenience and safety for customers to be able to order food from their phones or laptops, and within 15 to 30 minutes, the gita rolls up and opens its cargo doors for the customers to grab their order,” said Eric Johnson, director of commercial management and airline affairs for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which operates MSP. “It’s fun and whimsical, but there is also a purpose behind the technology for customers to feel more confident in avoiding queue lines and having their order delivered.” READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE Source: Aviation Pros Date of Article: April 9th 2021 After a year of curtailed activity due to the pandemic, this spring people are beginning to reveal and act upon a pent-up desire for excitement and travel, said Steve Sisneros, managing director, airport affairs for Southwest Airlines.
Speaking on the weekly industry call hosted by the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA), Sisneros acknowledged the challenges facing airports and concessionaires in reopening during such tumultuous times, but he urged concessionaires to open as many venues as possible to feed the enthusiasm for leisure travel. Travelers “are looking to have fun,” Sisneros said. “They’ve been locked up for months. They’re looking to do something different. They want to spend some dollars – they’re going to have a drink, they’re gstoing to sit down and [have a meal].” READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE Source: Airport Experience News Date of Article: April 1st 2021 |
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