Centerlines - December 2008 - (Page 31)

REVENUE ARENA paperwork and security checks. “It’s very similar to what would happen at the ticket counter of an airline when you’re checking in,” he explained. The guest is then allowed to go into the terminal once any time that day. predominantly business women and men coming in for meetings during the week and flying out the next day. As such, most of the traffic under this pilot happens on the weekends, he says, when guests are staying over the weekend. “That’s really when the real value and benefit of the program is,” Hedges said. When guests check in at the Grand Hyatt, they are notified verbally about the program. If guests are interested, materials are available detailing how to navigate around the airport, where the restaurants and shops are located and how to use Skylink. Pittsburgh International (PIT) has also been pleased with the program at its AirMall and is interested in continuing it, said JoAnn Jenny, director of communications. The Pittsburgh program has been operational since April Bin advertising at Reno/Tahoe International Airport. Post-Security Shopping A separate program, the Airport Access Authorization to Commercial Establishments Beyond the Screening Checkpoint Pilot Program, allows registered guests at airport hotels to gain access to post-security shopping. It is currently active at three airports: Pittsburgh International, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County and Dallas/Fort Worth International. According to Davis, the AAACE pilot is “moving along smoothly.” From DFW’s perspective, the program is an “overwhelming success,” said Ken Buchanan, DFW’s executive vice president for revenue management. Guests of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, located in Terminal D, can shop or dine there or take the Skylink train to shop in the post-security area of any of the other terminals. The program was approved by TSA in December 2006 for a one-year period and has been extended twice for six-month terms. The current term goes through the end of November, but the airport expects it will be extended in the same fashion. “We would be delighted to make it a permanent program, and we requested and supported that,” said Gary Hedges, assistant vice president for hotels. “I believe everybody is moving in that direction, but it’s not yet been approved permanently.” If a registered guest of DFW’s Grand Hyatt wishes to revisit the terminals, he or she simply notifies the front desk and they in turn notify the airport’s department of public safety. An officer is sent out, within five to ten minutes, according to Hedges, and conducts the TSA-required “It’s a huge benefit to our hotel,” said Hedges. Terminal D also features a walking tour of artwork and is working to bring a new pharmacy/medical facility to the terminal—both added benefits for hotel guests and airport passengers. Buchanan expects that these amenities will prove to be tremendous selling points for the airport and hotel when working to attract meetings and conventions. Each month, between 600 and 1,000 people use the program, which makes a substantial impact on the concessionaires in Terminal D and throughout DFW. “Our concessionaires are excited about it,” AAACE pilot; Gaining access to post-security shopping said Buchanan. “It’s at Pittsburgh International. incremental business to them—a passenger that’s not flying at that time has the 2007 and in that time, she said, opportunity to come in and enjoy roughly 1,100 guests of the Hyatt their services.” Regency Pittsburgh International Revenue per enplaned passenger Airport have taken advantage of in Terminal D is about $12, according the opportunity. Average revenue to Buchanan, and $8 throughout the per enplaned passenger is $13. entire airport. Jenny estimates the revenue for Hedges explained that the Grand those utilizing the program is higher Hyatt is a “business hotel” with an because “they are going to the average length of stay of one day, AirMall specifically to shop.” ■ www.aci-na.org | CENTERLINES 31 http://www.aci-na.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Centerlines - December 2008

Centerlines - December 2008 Contents President’s Message Canadian Airports Associates’ Corner Policy Center On the Hill and On the Stump Cover Story: Airport Belt Tightening On Management: Pooling DBE Resources Revenue Arena: New Revenue Streams Griesbach Concessions Award Winners Security: Employee Screening Pilot Tests New Technology: Wireless Growth Now Underway Grand Openings New Members Index of Advertisers/Advertiser.com Box Scores

Centerlines - December 2008

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