UK. Global travel restaurateur SSP Group has today (13 May) revealed a new partnership with operator AGS Airports to transform Southampton Airport’s food & beverage offer.
The deal deepens SSP’s links to AGS Airports, which also operates Glasgow and Aberdeen airports in Scotland.
Under the new agreement, SSP has assumed operation of the two existing landside and airside bars at Southampton. The company will make significant investment over the next 12 months to transform these into two modernised bar kitchen concepts.
The units will be complemented by a new Starbucks, which will open its doors later this year, as the transformation improves passenger experiences “with better value, quality and variety of food and drink options”, in the words of SSP.
The F&B transformation is the latest in a series of operational developments aimed at improving passenger experiences at the airport as traffic numbers grow. Within the past year, Tui, EasyJet and Loganair have all announced new routes across Europe from Southampton.
In a recent interview AGS Airports Group Retail Director Tom Hack told The Moodie Davitt Report that annual passenger numbers are projected to double at the airport to around 2 million by 2030.
SSP UK & Ireland Business Development Director Cathy Granby said, “We’re really excited to be adding Southampton Airport to our portfolio of UK airports as we continue to grow our operations into locations where our customers need us.
“As we prepare for the peak summer trade, we’re sure that our new units will quickly become the best part of the journey from Southampton Airport and make grabbing a bite to eat or drink an essential pitstop when passing through.”
Southampton Airport Head of Retail Development Craig Norton added, “We are delighted to welcome SSP Group as our new food & beverage partner. This exciting transformation will greatly enhance the experience for our passengers, providing them with a wider variety of high-quality and value-for-money options.
“These new F&B outlets will be integral to making Southampton Airport a top choice for travellers. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact of SSP’s investment and innovation on our airport community.” 
