USA. New York John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 4 operator JFKIAT has partnered with SSP America and tech firm Zippin to launch Camden Food Express, a contactless, frictionless retail concept.
The venture leverages the latter’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which has been deployed for the first time in an airport.
Camden Food Express is located at Gate B 42 and offers a grab-and-go food & beverage selection.
Customers enter the store through a turnstile, tapping their credit card as they enter. As they select products from shelves, Zippin’s AI system automatically identifies the items and builds the customer’s virtual cart with the corresponding monetary value.
As the customer leaves the store, the total amount spent is automatically charged to the card used to check in at the store entrance.
JFKIAT President and CEO Roel Huinink said: “We are thrilled that JFK T4 has become the first airport location to feature Zippin’s innovative retail concept. We have continued to innovate T4’s offerings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and enabling a more contactless customer journey is critical to our mission to provide customers with a safe, seamless experience.
“This partnership with SSP America and Zippin, launching just as we enter the holiday travel season, is our latest initiative to enable a fully digital purchasing process at T4.”
Zippin Senior Vice President of Business Development Gary Jacobus said: “Consumers have come to expect frictionless, technology driven experiences that make eating on-the-go easy, enjoyable and fast. Zippin allows guests to get in, take what they want and leave within seconds rather than minutes, so they are able to get on with their trip.”
SSP Chief Executive Officer of America Michael Svagdis said: “As the food travel experts, SSP America is excited to see Zippin deployed to ensure passengers have a speedy, contactless option while travelling through JFK’s Terminal 4.”
He added: “The SSP America team is passionate about bringing authentic restaurants to airports. Implementing innovative technology to provide a range of shopping solutions is an important part our commitment to our customers and clients.”
The new concept is the latest in series of moves by JFKIAT to enable contactless customer experiences at JFK International. As reported, in October the terminal operator launched a multi-brand automated retail concept in partnership with travel retailer Hudson.
This followed on from the company partnering with Inflyter and DFS Group earlier this year to launch T4 Marketplace, a branded digital destination for duty free shopping.
In 2019, JFKIAT launched AtYourGate at T4, giving customers the ability to order food and beverages on the AtYourGate app and have items delivered to their gate.
Note: We have recently relaunched The Moodie Davitt Report FAB Newsletter. This regular publication features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.
Please email Sinead@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.
