SSP awarded five year contract at Abu Dhabi International Airport

SSP, the leading dedicated operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations, has been awarded a contract to run twelve new units across Terminals 1 and 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport. SSP has operated at Abu Dhabi since 2009 and now has a team of over 200 employees at the airport. Passenger numbers at Abu Dhabi are projected to grow by over 10% per annum and will exceed 20m by 2017, making it one of the fastest growing airports in the region.

Commenting on the deal, Kate Swann, CEO of SSP, said: ‘We are looking forward to investing in the continued success of Abu Dhabi’s prestigious international airport and are very proud to be introducing some truly innovative concepts that are at the cutting edge of the food travel retail sector. This is a strategically important region for SSP and we are delighted to be consolidating our position here.’

Mohammed Al Bulooki, chief commercial officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: ‘Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is continuously evolving and developing its facilities and infrastructure in line with the recorded and anticipated growth in traffic. The segments and types of traffic also play a defining role in Abu Dhabi Airports’ business development strategy. With the vast mix of travellers  through AUH from all over the world, as well as the transit passengers, the offering at the capital’s airport needs to cover this wide array of tastes and preferences. From this perspective, Abu Dhabi Airports has implemented a commercial strategy whereby it targets experienced private sector partners who hold the required expertise within the aviation and airport businesses. The cooperation with SSP today is a translation of this strategy and will ensure that such a unique offer will continue to exist and expand at Abu Dhabi International Airport.’

All of the new locations are located airside, with the exception of one in Terminal 3, which will be landside.

The new facilities will feature a number of leading international brands as well as a selection of offers inspired by local cuisines. These include the following concepts:

  • The Montreux Jazz Café aims to recreate the atmosphere of the well-known jazz festival. The café offers travellers simple fine-dining while they enjoy unique concert video footage and sound recordings in a modern and vibrant environment.
  • Although its origins are Scandinavian, O’Learys encapsulates the ambiance of the American sports bar. Customers can watch live sporting action while choosing from an extensive selection of bar-style staples.
  • The new Burger King will be the latest 20/20 light incarnation of the brand.
  • Camden food co. will offer busy travellers freshly sourced, organic and natural foods and has been designed to appeal to passengers who want to enjoy a balanced diet without compromising on taste.
  • Caffè Ritazza will serve traditional Italian coffees prepared by skilled baristas.
  • With its oriental charm and traditional Arabic menu, Alsafi will offer passengers the authentic taste of Arabia. The dishes served highlight the classic spicy flavours of the region.