Last week, Airmall at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) along with the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) staged FLY2014; an event, which marked the 15th anniversary of the ACAA and the completion of a $10m renovation.

 

The new concessions project coincided with a contract extension for Airmall, which will continue its role as the concessions developer and manager at the airport through to 2029. Airmall expects the enhanced concessions programme to grow annual revenue by as much as 10-20% over current figures.

 

Part of the $10m project involved the creation of a new retail core in the centre of the airport’s airside terminal. According to Airmall, the renovation was designed to reconfigure the layout of new retail units to address changes in passenger traffic and ‘put stores squarely in the path of millions of travellers every year’.

 

Airmall staged its first fashion show during the FLY2014 event at Pittsburgh Airport.

 

New retail stores from international luxury brands, include Italian-based Pinko [which opened its first US store at Airmall] as well as Furla, Lacoste, Armani Jeans, Hugo Boss, Tumi, Spanish-based Desigual, Collezioni-The Beauty Gallery and Bottega dei Sapori, an Italian specialty foods store.

 

The new units join a host of other new F&B and accessories brands at PIT, including Metalsmiths Sterling, Erwin Pearl, Pinkberry and Green Beans Coffee.

 

“The changes to the retail programme will also enable Pittsburgh to maintain its enviable status as the top-performing airport concessions program in the country with among the highest per-passenger spends in North America,” says Airmall.

 

The fashion show attracted the attention of many international travellers.

 

To help celebrate the 15^th anniversary and the renovation programme, Airmall and PIT staged the airport’s first runway fashion show featuring the latest men’s and women’s collections from Airmall-operated stores, followed by a book signing event with well-known makeup artist, Carmindy.

 

“As a vital part of our regional economy, Pittsburgh International Airport has always set the standard for high-quality shopping and dining when you’re travelling,” said Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County executive.  “We welcome these new brands to the region as we also welcome flights to new destinations. We are thrilled by an increase in travellers over the last several months and we encourage our flying public to take advantage of these exciting offerings.”

 

Armani Jeans opened at Pittsburgh Airport in May earlier this year.

 

“This fall marks the Allegheny County Airport Authority’s 15th anniversary,” said State Senator Matt Smith, board member, Allegheny County Airport Authority.

 

“It is fitting that we commemorate this milestone with a renovation that complements the Authority’s on-going efforts to increase flights and amenities for business and leisure travellers as well as promote economic development for the Pittsburgh region.

 

“This project is yet another source of pride for the airport and Airmall as we usher in an exciting new chapter in our shared history.”

 

The new Hugo Boss store, operated by Airmall at Pittsburgh International Airport.

 

“For the past two decades, the Airmall at PIT has set the standard for airport concessions,” said Jay Kruisselbrink, senior vice president, Airmall USA. “Our latest project further exemplifies our commitment to constantly raising the bar for the passenger experience by creating an easily accessible environment for travellers to shop and dine in while at the airport.

 

“We anticipate that these latest renovations to the concessions program will help the Airmall and Pittsburgh International Airport maintain our status as industry innovators.”

 

Below: The new Furla store, operated by Airmall. at Pittsburgh International Airport.