MAC Promotes Krogh To Associate General Counsel
Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has promoted Matt Krogh to associate general counsel. Krogh, who joined MAC’s legal affairs department in 2012, previously practiced corporate, finance and transactional law at Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly (now Fox Rothschild) and served as a senior tax accountant. General counsel Evan Wilson praised Krogh’s institutional knowledge and legal expertise as key to his new role. The promotion bolsters MAC’s legal team as the MSP airport navigates increasing regulatory and operational complexities.
Paradies Lagardère Opens New ATL Concessions
Paradies Lagardère has opened three new retail concepts—Atlanta Beltline Market, Atlanta Influences Everything, and The Village Retail—inside Concourse B of Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Each store showcases products from Atlanta‑based, Black‑owned businesses, aiming to reflect the city’s culture, creativity and...
TUL Opens Fuel & Fly Mart
Tulsa International Airport has opened its first on‑site convenience store, Fuel & Fly Mart, in a $5.5 million project built by Kleinco Construction. Operated with TNP Fuels (Promise Hotels LLC), the 24‑hour facility offers fuel, EV charging, a drive‑thru and grab‑and‑go...
SSP Unveils Los Amigos At FAT
SSP America has opened Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant and Mezcal Bar in the new Concourse B of Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). The outpost brings the Fresno‑based eatery’s full menu—from chilaquiles and breakfast burritos to tacos, enchiladas and mezcal cocktails—to travelers....
SSP Launches VV The Italian Experience At CVG
VV The Italian Experience, a Cincinnati‑based family restaurant, has opened a new outlet in Concourse B of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The venue, launched in partnership with SSP America, serves signature Italian dishes such as piadina, pasta bolognese, and pasta...
TUL Taps Meier For EVP, CCO
Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) has appointed Daniel Meier as executive vice president and chief commercial officer. Meier returns to Tulsa International Airport after serving as deputy director of aviation, marketing and air service at Palm Springs International Airport and...
New PPG Lounges Open At DFW
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) launched two new lounges in Dallas‑Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal D, including the first Plaza Premium First lounge in the United States. The premium‑first lounge offers dedicated ambassadors, a full buffet, sit‑down dining with items such as brisket...
GNV Names Mehrlich CEO
Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) announced Paul Mehrlich as its new chief executive officer. Mehrlich joins GNV after serving as executive director of aviation at Texarkana Regional Airport and as environmental operations manager at Dallas Love Field. In his remarks, he...
SSP Opens Central Standard Tavern At MKE
SSP America has opened a 1,069‑square‑foot outpost of Central Standard Tavern inside Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The 51‑seat venue centers on a four‑sided bar and a drinks rail, showcasing spirits from the locally‑owned Central Standard Distillery. Executives say the concept...
PSP Taps Carpenter For Interim Executive Director
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has appointed Victoria Carpenter, the current assistant director of aviation, as interim executive director, succeeding Harry Barrett who is leaving to become assistant director at the Sacramento County Department of Airports. Carpenter previously served as...
AVL To Open Partial Baggage Claim
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) will open the first phase of its new partial baggage claim on Friday, April 17, marking a key milestone in the AVL Forward renovation program. The upgraded facility is designed to streamline passenger handling as traveler...
Concessions International Appoints New CIO
Russell Family Enterprises has appointed Julian Thomas as chief information and technology officer for both H.J. Russell & Company and Concessions International. Thomas will oversee the firms’ technology strategy, aligning digital initiatives with business objectives to boost growth and efficiency....
DEN Unveils New Food Court
Denver International Airport has opened a new food court in Concourse A, operated by Skyport Hospitality and ACDBE partner Concessions of a Gladman. The venue features Denver‑based Fat Sully’s Pizza alongside national chains QDOBA, Chick‑fil‑A and Shake Shack. DEN CEO Phil Washington...
COS Opens Colorado Craft
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) has launched a new post‑security dining outpost called Colorado Craft, developed in partnership with SSP America. The eatery showcases chef‑driven dishes and a curated selection of regional beer, wine, and spirits, emphasizing Colorado’s local flavors. Airport...
BWI Partners With Assistive Technology Firm
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) announced a partnership with Towson‑based ReBokeh Vision Technologies to offer free, unlimited navigation assistance for blind and low‑vision passengers. ReBokeh’s AI‑driven mobile app uses the phone’s camera and custom filters to guide travelers through...
Paradies Lagardère Taps Andrews As CFO
Paradies Lagardère announced the appointment of Will Andrews as its chief financial officer. Andrews, a former senior vice president at ed‑tech firm Risepoint, also held senior finance roles at The Home Depot and spent time in investment banking. He will...
PPG Taps Pateman As Senior VP North America
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has appointed Eric Pateman as senior vice president for North America. Pateman previously served as chief experience officer at Vancouver International Airport and has advised governments, cities, and Fortune 500 companies while running several businesses. His blend...
Off The Page: Concessions Leaders Discuss Challenges During AXC Roundtable
Airport concession CEOs convened at the 2026 Airport Experience Conference to flag mounting labor costs, aggressive union demands, and the limits of passing wage hikes to passengers. They highlighted the rise of AI and technology as partial mitigants, but noted...
DAL Deputy Director Hughes To Retire
Sheneice M. Hughes is retiring as deputy director of finance, people and culture for aviation at Dallas Love Field after 13 years in the airport and 26 years with the City of Dallas. She launched the Airport Communications Center, secured...
AVL Releases Public Art RFQ
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has issued a Request for Qualifications to commission permanent public‑art installations as part of its AVL Forward terminal modernization. The airport seeks artists for two large‑scale works—one in the grand hall and another in the airside...
HMSHost Wins JAX Food Hall Contract
Jacksonville Aviation Authority awarded HMSHost (Avolta) a 15‑year contract to design, build and operate the 5,000‑square‑foot Oak & Ocean Food Hall in the new Concourse B at Jacksonville International Airport. The food hall, slated for completion by December 2026, will feature national chains Chick‑fil‑A,...
ACI-NA’s Burke To Retire By Year End
Kevin Burke, president and CEO of Airports Council International‑North America (ACI‑NA), will retire later in 2026 after more than a decade at the helm. During his tenure, ACI‑NA secured roughly $20 billion in federal pandemic relief and another $20 billion for major...
SCDA Taps Barrett As Assistant Director Of Airports
The Sacramento County Department of Airports (SCDA) appointed Harry Barrett, Jr. as assistant director of airports, effective May 26. Barrett brings a diverse background that includes executive leadership at Palm Springs International Airport, municipal management at Renton, and safety roles at...
SAN Promotes Reed To VP And COO
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority appointed Brendan Reed as vice president and chief operations officer of San Diego International Airport, effective March 25. Reed previously served as senior director of operational planning and readiness and director of airport planning...
CLT Taps Perry As COO
The City of Charlotte has appointed Jeffrey Perry as chief operating officer of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Perry previously served as COO of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority and held several senior roles, including airport operations director for Charlotte....
Doctor Who Walked LA Appears At LAX
Los Angeles International Airport hosted a book signing for Dr. Roy Meals, an orthopedic surgeon who authored *Walking the Line: Discoveries Along the Los Angeles City Limits*. The event, organized by ASUR Airports, Hudson Booksellers and Book Soup, took place...
Steer Taps Alonzo As VP
Aviation advisory firm Steer appointed Mary‑Frances Alonzo as vice president of airport commercial services. Alonzo previously served as deputy aviation commercial officer at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and held commercial roles at Minneapolis‑Saint Paul and...
MIA Unveils Concourse D Plans
Miami International Airport announced a $1 billion expansion of Concourse D60, adding 17 new gates, upgraded passenger amenities, and a modernized baggage system. The project is part of the broader $9 billion M.I.A. Plan and is slated to break ground in 2027...
YouGov Poll Shows Travel Reluctance Amid Disruptions
A YouGov poll reveals that only 40% of American travelers would keep a scheduled flight, while 34% plan to cancel or reschedule trips amid rising airfare and frequent airport disruptions. Stress levels are high, with 63% citing disruptions as a...
AUS To Hold Industry Day
Austin‑Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) will host a Concession Industry Day on April 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Long Center, part of its "Journey With AUS" expansion program. The event offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at airport growth, upcoming dining and...
YLW Seeks New Lounge
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) announced a call for Expressions of Interest from lounge operators to design, develop, and manage a new common‑use premium lounge. The airport will provide a full EOI package through its website, allowing interested parties to submit...
SMF Celebrates New Dining
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) inaugurated three new dining concepts in Terminal A, marking the first local‑brand offerings in the facility. The venues—Magpie Café, New Helvetia Brewing Co., and Centro Cocina—will be operated by HMSHost under a partnership that blends national...
CHS Unveils Just Baked Kiosks
Automated Retail Technologies (ART) has introduced four 24/7 Just Baked snack kiosks at Charleston International Airport, operated by Evolvending. The kiosks feature distinct brand concepts, including White Castle, Wow Bao, a sweets theme, and a café theme. ART and Evolvending have...
Hyde Park Hospitality Promotes Carter
Hyde Park Hospitality has promoted Cortez Carter to president, tasking him with leading the firm’s airport practice. Carter, who joined the company in April 2022 as executive vice president, will focus on domestic growth of its food‑and‑beverage, retail and lounge...
PIE Taps Sprague As Director
Pinellas County appointed Mark Sprague as the new director of St. Pete‑Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Sprague previously served as deputy and interim director at PIE and brings extensive pilot experience from Comair and Spirit Airlines. He also held operational roles at...
PHL Unveils Travel Essentials Store
Philadelphia International Airport launched the Onsite Travel Essentials market between Terminals B and C, adding a new retail space that sells snacks, grab‑and‑go meals, electronics, toiletries, and a curated selection of local Philadelphia brands. Operated by PHL Food & Shops, the store also...
SFO Taps Ruckelshausen As Chief Innovation & Technology Officer
San Francisco International Airport has appointed Ralf Ruckelshausen as its chief innovation and technology officer. Ruckelshausen will oversee business applications, cybersecurity, digital transformation, innovation, IT operations, and project management. He joined SFO in 2013 after a series of operational and...
ACI World Report Shows Revenue Lag
Airports Council International’s 2024 Airport Economics Report shows global passenger traffic rose to 9.4 billion, a 4% increase over pre‑pandemic levels, yet total airport revenue slipped to $194.9 billion, 2.1% below 2019 earnings. Aeronautical income remains 3% under 2019 figures and is...
PHX To Offer Enhanced Passenger Processing
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport announced the rollout of Enhanced Passenger Processing for U.S. citizens arriving on international flights. The system, developed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, uses photo‑matching technology to accelerate the CBP inspection process. Airport officials highlighted...
PPG Opens Two Lounges At DFW
Plaza Premium Group opened two lounges in Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal D, expanding its U.S. footprint and showcasing confidence in travel recovery. The venues include the brand’s standard Plaza Premium Lounge and the first Plaza Premium First lounge in...
YTZ Opens Pilot Coffee Roasters
Pilot Coffee Roasters has opened a new café in the post‑security transborder lounge at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). The outlet is operated by SSP Canada in partnership with Nieuport Aviation, bringing the Toronto‑based roaster’s premium, locally roasted beans...
SFO Joins Sunflower Lanyard Program
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program, a global initiative that helps travelers with non‑visible conditions signal they may need assistance. The program is already active in 340 airports across 70 countries, covering disabilities...
Industry Excellence Honored At AX Awards Gala
The Airport Experience (AX) Awards Gala celebrated top performers in airport concessions, hospitality, and property management, drawing more than 450 North American executives. The ceremony recognized excellence across nearly 40 categories, including best passenger service, sustainability initiatives, and DE&I leadership....
OTG Announces Leadership Changes
On The Go (OTG) announced Matt King as its new chief executive officer, replacing Jeff Yablun who moves to a senior‑advisor role. King brings over 30 years of multi‑unit foodservice, hospitality and airport‑concession experience, most recently as president of Elior...
ORF Appoints Humphrey As Senior Manager Of Airside Operations
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) has named Jerald Humphrey senior manager of airside operations. Humphrey brings more than two decades of United States Navy experience, most recently as air operations officer at Naval Air Station Oceana. He highlighted the airport’s growth,...
MIA Extends Hudson, HMSHost Contracts
Miami International Airport has secured 12‑year extensions with concessionaires Hudson and HMSHost, allowing them to continue operating existing venues and launch new concepts across the North, Central and South terminals. The extensions are part of the airport’s $9 billion Modernization in...
Avolta Launches Health-Conscious Concessions Line
Avolta has launched its health‑focused "Eat Well. Travel Further." concession line at Chicago O’Hare, with Los Angeles International and Phoenix Sky Harbor slated for later rollout. The collection offers high‑protein, plant‑based, macro‑balanced items free from artificial flavors, synthetic colors, high‑fructose...
JWA Opens Three New Concessions
John Wayne Airport announced the launch of three new concessions: a Dunkin’ coffee shop operated by HMSHost, the Harbor Exchange boutique run by Paradies Lagardère, and a Brookstone electronics and travel‑retail outlet managed by Hudson. The additions broaden the airport’s food‑and‑beverage...
PHL Opens PrimoHoagies
Philadelphia International Airport has added a PrimoHoagies cafe, bringing the South Philly sandwich staple to travelers. The outlet is part of the airport’s “Founded in Philly” initiative and is run through a partnership between The Grove Inc., ACDBE partner M2 Concepts,...
SSP Canada Opens Two Eateries At YLW
SSP Canada has opened two new dining concepts at Kelowna International Airport (YLW): Vintners Exchange Gastrobar, featuring Okanagan wines curated with sommelier Bram Bolwijn, and Ellison Field Taphouse Kitchen & Bar, a BC Ale Trail‑partnered craft‑beer venue. The launches were...