Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
USA. Our latest images come courtesy of daa International, part of Irish state-owned daa Group, which has just captured a contract to develop, lease and operate a VIP passenger terminal at Washington Dulles International Airport.
Awarded by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), this will be the first dedicated terminal of its kind serving the Washington metropolitan region.
As the artist impressions show, the 37,000sq ft terminal will lean on luxury design cues in creating an environment with discreet and personalised options. These include:
*Dedicated VIP parking and entrance
*Private security screening for domestic and international flights
*Suites, lounges and bars
*Personalised check-in and baggage services
* Premium vehicle transport to aircraft
The VIP terminal at Dulles will be built over 30 months followed by a 20-year operating term. It will be designed in collaboration with global architecture and design firm Corgan.
The appointment strengthens the daa Group’s presence in North America, where ARI, its travel retail business, was recently awarded the duty-free contract at New York JFK Terminal 4 (in partnership with International Shoppes).
daa International brings experience in airport operations, passenger experience, terminal development and operational readiness, with airport management and advisory work across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.
Its experience includes the Platinum VIP private terminal at Dublin Airport, a VIP terminal currently being designed in Vietnam, and management of Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia.
daa Deputy CEO and daa International CEO Nick Cole said, “We are honoured to have been selected by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for this prestigious project. Washington Dulles International Airport plays a vital role in connecting the United States with the world, and we look forward to bringing our international airport experience and operational expertise to the delivery of a VIP facility that reflects the airport’s global standing.
“This appointment demonstrates the continued confidence that airport authorities place in daa International’s ability to deliver complex, high-profile aviation projects. It is also a testament to the expertise of our team and the strength of the wider daa Group.”
daa International Deputy CEO Clive Power said the project highlights the growing international reputation of Irish aviation expertise.
“This is a landmark achievement for daa International and for the wider daa Group. Being selected to deliver a project of this importance at one of the United States’ premier international airports is a strong endorsement of the expertise, capability and track record that our people have developed over many years.”
“From Dublin and Cork airports to ARI’s travel retail operations and daa International’s airport consultancy and management services, the daa Group continues to demonstrate that Irish aviation expertise can compete and succeed on the world stage. We are delighted to support MWAA in delivering a facility that will provide an exceptional experience for VIP visitors to Washington Dulles International Airport.”
Irish Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD said: “I am delighted to welcome today’s announcement that daa International has been awarded a contract to develop and operate a new VIP Terminal at Washington Dulles Airport.
“I was pleased to meet with the CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington last week where I, along with Ambassador Byrne Nason, welcomed this new partnership which brings Irish aviation expertise to one of the United States’ most significant international airports.”
“The award of this contract to daa International is a positive endorsement of the expertise, innovation and international reputation that daa has built in international airport management and advisory services.
“This contract provides an opportunity for daa to strengthen its presence in the United States, a key market for Irish companies who are supporting the US Transportation and logistics network and creating jobs in communities across the country. I wish daa International every success with this exciting new venture.”
MWAA Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Chryssa Westerlund said, “Adding a VIP terminal at Dulles International reflects our commitment to giving passengers the options to choose an airport experience that fits their needs. By introducing this premium service, Dulles is responding to traveller demand, supporting continued growth and joining other leading international airports around the world that offer elevated services for business and leisure travellers alike.”
The project will be developed in close partnership with MWAA, drawing on daa International’s experience in airport operations, passenger experience, terminal development and operational readiness. ✈
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