CANADA. Toronto Pearson International has combined with global restaurateur HMSHost to become the world’s first airport to launch a mobile order and pickup service through Uber Eats. The service enables passengers to make contactless food & beverage orders and pick them up across a variety of restaurants in Terminals 1 and 3. It extends a partnership that began with a pilot project in 2019.
Greater Toronto Airports Authority said the partnership will enhance passenger safety and convenience, while also providing additional revenue for participating HMSHost restaurants.
Uber Eats was founded by San Francisco-headquartered Uber Technologies in 2014, quickly establishing itself as one of the best-known third-party food ordering systems in the world.
Passengers at Toronto Pearson International can download the Uber Eats app for iOS or Android to order a meal ahead of time at the airport, picking it up at their preferred HMSHost restaurant.
It allows users to avoid queues when collecting their food, creating a safer, socially-distanced experience. No additional fees are charged to customers to pick up their orders.
Greater Toronto Airports Authority President and CEO Deborah Flint said: “A healthy airport focus coupled with stellar experiences for our passengers and employers is our aspiration. We can do both, and our technology-based partnerships are an excellent example of how Pearson is continuing to evolve the airport experience while adding layers of protection to our globally-recognised Healthy Airport programme.”
She added: “During the past year, platforms like Uber Eats have become an even more important option for restaurants to generate revenue and for consumers to support their favourite restaurants.”
Uber Head of Business Development US & Canada Jack Kloster said: “By partnering with Toronto Pearson on the first airport service for mobile order and pick up on Uber Eats, the app will provide convenient, contactless ordering for travellers, and support to restaurant partners. In the coming months, we look forward to enhancing the consumer experience and bringing more restaurants at the airport to the platform.”
HMSHost Vice President of Digital Neil Thompson said that bringing new technology into the airport makes food & beverage transactions easier, safer and quicker, and is a top priority for his company.
He added: “Our partnership with Uber Eats is a testament to our safe dining commitment while providing a contactless order and pick up solution that elevates the overall passenger experience at Pearson.”
