BAA USA secures 10-year Cleveland contract

Cleveland Hopkins International airport has announced that it has awarded BAA USA a 10-year contract to manage and develop its retail programme. BAA USA will establish an Airmall there along similar lines to those it already runs at Pittsburgh, Baltimore/Washington and Boston Logan airports.

According to an interview with an airport official in local media, BAA USA will develop about 40,000sq ft (3,718sq m) of unused space and will reconfigure the existing 46,000sq ft (4,275sq m) of retail throughout the terminal.

Announcing the award, Cleveland mayor Frank Jackson said: “We chose BAA USA because we believe they have the experience and the vision to create retail concessions that will consistently offer quality goods and services to the airline passenger. We look forward to the transformation of the retail concessions programme. We also encourage local businesses and residents to take advantage of the opportunities that will take shape at the airport.” 

BAA USA president Mark Knight said:  “We look forward to working with both the city and the Cleveland Airport System to make the airport a source of pride for a region that is already proud of its history and is poised to redefine itself in the coming years.”

The award follows a year-long selection process conducted by Cleveland’s Department of Port Control. BAA was one of three bidders.

The airport now has 47 retail outlets, 43 of which are operated and staffed by HMSHost, which has been present at Cleveland Hopkins since the 1980s. According to the airport, HMSHost will work with BAA USA to ensure “a smooth transition”.

BAA USA’s Airmall concept focuses on four basic principles, the company said. First, a strategic mix of local, national and international brands; a belief in competition between retail tenants; a value proposition equivalent to the local high street; and a dedication to customer service.