Incorporating Technologies into Airport In-Terminal Concession Programs

The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technologies in consumer purchase behavior and concessionaire operations. This is being reflected in airport in-terminal concessions. For example, e-commerce is often preferred to in-store purchasing of retail goods and food services, and some airports have started to implement omnichannel e-commerce platforms to deliver an advanced retail experience for passengers. The success of airport in-terminal concession programs will rely on much more than simply rolling out new technologies. Airports need to understand the challenges and opportunities these technologies might offer, how they would meet customer needs, and their impact on airport and concessions operations. However, there is little information and few resources available for airport operators to make informed decisions as they consider the incorporation of technologies into their in-terminal concessions programs. The objective of this research is to develop a primer, framework, tools (e.g., flowchart, decision tree, checklist), and case studies to help airports identify, evaluate, select, and incorporate appropriate technologies into their in-terminal concessions programs. The primer should define and describe relevant current and emerging technologies and document the role of technology in airport in-terminal concessions programs, with an emphasis on developments since 2019.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5398
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Research completed. Publication anticipated for 3rd quarter 2025.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $499,541.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 03-70

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP)

  Transportation Research Board, 500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Aviation Administration

  800 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20591
• Project Managers:

  Navarrete, Joseph

• Performing Organizations:

  ICF International

  ,    
• Principal Investigators:

  Freibrun, Stephen

• Start Date: 20230509
• Expected Completion Date: 20241108
• Actual Completion Date: 20241108

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Airports; Concessions; Consumer behavior; Data privacy; Electronic commerce; Guidelines; Technological innovations
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Aviation; Economics; Operations and Traffic Management; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01853996
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 03-70
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Aug 9 2022 10:56AM