Vantage Group

This week at Routes Americas 2025 in The Bahamas, our Vice President of Global Operational Services, Frank Scremin, participated in a panel entitled “Navigating the Next Frontier: Overcoming Disruptions in the Aviation’s New Normal.” The panel focused on addressing #disruptions faced in our industry from both #airline and #airport perspectives. Panelists included industry leaders John Pepper, Brett Smith, and Nacim Yala and was moderated by Michael J. Bell.   While aviation has long been disrupted by internal and external forces, the variety and frequency of those disruptions has increased in recent years. To remain resilient and respond nimbly, airports must adopt bold thinking, strong partnerships, advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and inclusive design to manage challenges and maximize opportunities. With 30 years of global expertise in airport infrastructure, we’ve learned that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so each transformation Vantage undertakes involves unique partnerships, offerings, and strategies. Elements that help airports weather disruption include:   ➡️ Stakeholder #collaboration is key to modern airport success. We prioritize understanding the needs of airlines, airport authorities, and other stakeholders, fostering strategic relationships to deliver results that meet all parties’ needs and surpass their expectations.   ➡️ The guest experience is shifting from transactional to experiential, with travelers seeking comfort and personalized services. As airport travel becomes more data-driven, technology plays a major role. We are developing systems to better understand passenger preferences and behaviors. #Innovations like AI-driven systems and biometric security are paving the way for safer, more efficient, and personalized air travel. While we invest in technologies like biometric boarding and contactless payments, our focus is on enhancing, not replacing, personal service. Success lies in understanding and catering to a range of different traveler expectations, and balancing digital innovation with human interaction.   ➡️ Sustainability is a priority. We take a proactive approach to energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, and decarbonization. Building resiliency to manage extreme weather and maintaining operations off the grid are essential for long-term #sustainability.   ➡️ As passenger numbers rise, airports are innovating to maintain flexibility and ensure seamless #travel experiences. From adopting common-use facility designs, and using airport infrastructure creatively to implementing biometric technology, and leveraging AI for traffic forecasting, remaining curious and testing new processes and approaches will help airports keep pace with growth. Thank you to Routes for another great opportunity to connect with industry decision-makers and for curating a great conference.

We are delighted that our network airport, Lynden Pindling International Airport, will co-host the 2025 Routes Americas conference in #Nassau from February 10-12, together with the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.   The conference program offers an exclusive platform for #aviation leaders from around the globe to share the latest market insights and provide expert advice to inform business strategies. The program includes keynote interviews, panel discussions, airline briefings, and best practice workshops. Vantage’s Vice President of Global Operational Services, Frank Scremin, will participate in a panel titled ‘Navigating the Next Frontier: Overcoming Disruptions in Aviation’s New Era,’ where airport and airline leaders will explore solutions for managing disruptions to propel air travel forward.   A cornerstone event in the industry, Routes Americas regularly brings together #airline, #airport, and #destination decision-makers for concentrated route development meetings and negotiation. This year, the event will feature more than  3,000 meetings and 10-plus hours of dedicated networking events. Routes events have helped launched some 875 new air services in the Americas in the past three years alone.   Delegates attending the 2025 edition of the annual route development forum will have the opportunity to experience Nassau’s idyllic scenery, Bahamian culture, and first-class hospitality. Vantage has been operating in The Bahamas since 2007, starting with a three-phase airport transformation to expand Lynden Pindling International Airport to accommodate passenger traffic. Today, 20 years later, Vantage continues to manage the airport, through the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), led by CEO and Vantage executive Vernice Walkine, and its critical role as a tourism gateway and workplace of choice, deeply connected to its community.

Big news from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)!   The Vantage-led team at Hamilton International is making significant enhancements to the airport’s #terminal facilities to enhance the guest experience and position the #airport for future growth. Unveiled at a media and community event at YHM today, these enhancements follow the new 49-year management lease signed between the City Of Hamilton and Vantage Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary TradePort in September 2024.   The upgrades will include updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies for curb operations, terminal interior enhancements, digital signage and lighting upgrades, and, later this year, passenger jet bridges – a first for Hamilton International. More good news: Porter Airlines Inc. is preparing to launch daily service from Hamilton to four Canadian destinations – Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver – as part of a new strategic partnership with YHM.   Airport, #airline, and municipal leaders at the event emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in the economic development and community impact of air travel to and from the Greater Hamilton region.   Vantage’s Chair and CEO, George Casey, noted, “Hamilton International was one of Vantage Group’s very first network airports and we have been proud to partner with the City of Hamilton to steward the airport’s development and management for nearly 30 years. Through a shared commitment to operating excellence and strategic relationships with many partners, Hamilton International has grown as an important gateway for tourism and business and a critical creator of local jobs and economic impact. We are proud to continue this work with today’s announcement and our new partnership with Porter Airlines.”

We are excited to attend the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) ’s 65th Annual Airport Management Short Course. Nyika Allen, C.M., Vantage’s Senior Director of Global Operational Excellence and SWAAAE board member, will be moderating a panel titled "Innovative Solutions for Modern Airport Challenges: Collaborating with FAA Leadership."   This dynamic one-hour panel will bring airport professionals together with Federal Aviation Administration representatives to tackle pressing industry challenges, from integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to transitioning to lead-free #aviation fuel and optimizing the Federal Contract Tower Program. Through interactive discussions and collaborative problem-solving, participants will explore innovative solutions that support regulatory advancements, enhance operational efficiency, and shape the future of #airport management.   Together with Vantage’s Advisory Services team, Nyika’s focus is on creating customized solutions for airports of all sizes across North America. Her previous roles as Assistant Director of Aviation at Oakland International Airport and Director of Aviation for the City of Albuquerque have equipped Nyika with a unique understanding of the distinct challenges faced by airport operators.   Our Advisory Services team offers expertise in: ➡️ Comprehensive Operations and Business Solutions ➡️ Pre-Construction and Construction Services ➡️ Commercial and Business Strategy   ➡️ Operational Readiness and Transition ➡️ Guest Experience Transformation   Next week’s panel members include: · Amy Choi, Manager, San Francisco Airports District Office, Western-Pacific Region · Brian Armstrong, Manager, Safety & Standards Branch, Western-Pacific Region · Mike Williams, Manager, Phoenix Airports District Office, Western-Pacific Region · Cathryn Cason, Manager, Los Angeles Airports District Office, Western-Pacific Region · Gordon Wong, Honolulu Airports District Office, Western-Pacific Region · Matthew Murphy, NAS Planning Team Manager, Western Service Area FAA, Western Service Center, Planning and Requirements Group

Exciting News from Chicago Midway International Airport!   Midway Partnership and Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) - O'Hare & Midway International Airports are delighted to announce the opening of three new retail locations! 🎉   Including: 🛍️ Two Hudson travel convenience stores located in Baggage Claim and Concourse C, offering a wide range of travel essentials and local products. 🍫 A Fannie May Confections Brands Inc. chocolate shop in Concourse A, bringing a taste of Chicago’s iconic chocolates to travelers. *All three amenities are operated by our partner, Hudson by Avolta.   “The transformation at Chicago Midway continues to evolve and deliver offerings for every kind of guest at the airport, making each experience unique,” said Sammy Patel, CEO of Midway Partnership and senior leader at Vantage. “The mix of amenities ensures everyone has what they need. Our focus remains on creating a seamless, stress-free travel experience while ensuring passengers feel connected to Chicago’s rich culture and flavors. Whether travelers need last-minute convenience items or want to bring home a taste of Chicago, the new additions continue to provide a world-class concessions experience.”   Thank you for all of you who were able to mark this occasion with us including Amber Achilles Ritter, Latitia Bray, @Kelly Malone, @Even Schut, @Amy Dunne, Derryl O. Benton, Mario Scorcia, Shawnta Young, Sammy Patel   #MidwayAirport #TravelRetail #HudsonStores #FannieMay #Chicago #Aviation #TravelExperience #AirportConcessions

We caught up with Patrick Heck, Vice President, Business Development at Vantage Group to learn more about his #career journey and what he’s learned throughout his time at Vantage. Having held executive roles at United Airlines and Denver International Airport, Patrick has more than 20 years of experience in the #aviation industry and brings a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions to complex airport transformations. Our Fast Five interview covers: 1️⃣ Patrick’s career journey and how he got into aviation 2️⃣ His favorite part of working at Vantage 3️⃣ Keys to a successful negotiation 4️⃣ A skill that’s invaluable to his day-to-day work 5️⃣ One word to describe Vantage employees Read the full interview in the slides below. What is your favorite part about working in aviation?

At Vantage Group, our 30-year legacy in #airport development and operations spans 13 active locations and numerous global engagements. We’re focusing on enhancing operational excellence through #integrated programs, fostering shared learning and best practices across our network. In the latest piece published in our Resource Hub, we take a closer look at two such integrated programs: our network-wide Quality Assurance (QA) program and our integrated emergency management program. Both of these programs benefit from shared knowledge and resources across the #network, to not only meet regulatory compliance but also drive continuous improvement, risk reduction, and operational efficiency. By leveraging shared knowledge and resources, we ensure our airports are well-prepared for any situation. The article references examples from emergency exercises at Hamilton International Airport (FLYYHM), Lynden Pindling International Airport, and Larnaka International Airport Read the full article on our Resource Hub. https://lnkd.in/gaRcgyZY Heather McCarley, Nassau Airport Development Company, Hermes Airports Ltd

As the giving season winds down, let’s hold onto that festive feeling a bit longer, with a look at some heartwarming charitable efforts from our various locations around the Vantage Group network. Gray 30th Street, Philadelphia: Our partners and colleagues at Plenary Americas and Amtrak volunteered at the Share Food Program warehouse, combating food insecurity in #Philadelphia. They also hosted a holiday donation drive with Families Forward, the non-profit concessionaire at the station that operates the Traveler’s Aid kiosk, collecting essential items for families moving into permanent housing. The team was able to collect close to $1,000 worth of donations. Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc Int'l Airport / Aéroport int. Roméo-LeBlanc du Grand Moncton (YQM): The YQM team spread holiday cheer by volunteering at the Peter McKee Community Food Centre Christmas Food Box Initiative, supporting families in the Greater #Moncton area. LaGuardia Gateway Partners: The LGP team organized a terminal-wide effort, collecting nearly 2,000 lbs of donations for City Harvest. Participating partners included Air Canada, American Express Centurion Lounge, HMSHost, KONE, Oxford Airport Technical Services, and American Airlines. Hermes Airports Ltd: At #Larnaka Airport, more than 800 primary school children were invited to the airport to participate in fun and educational holiday activities throughout December, including a treasure hunt, creative crafts, and an interactive electronic puzzle. Hamilton International Airport (FLYYHM): Our team at YHM brightened spirits through its annual Toy Drive, delivering toys generously donated by many airport employees and business partners to CityKidz Hamilton. Kamloops Airport: The Kamloops Airport community partnered with City of Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society to make one local family’s holiday season brighter with donations of gifts and treats. Thank you to each of our network locations for your meaningful local contributions this holiday season.

Season’s Greetings from all of us at Vantage Group The holidays can be a hectic time to fly, with intense anticipation to get to your destination on time, potential weather disruptions, and terminals bustling with passengers. Helping our guests relax and even revel in the holiday spirit is important at each of our network locations. From wintry Fort St. John to the sunny Bahamas, our locations go the extra mile to create a festive atmosphere that imparts ease, relaxation, and festive feelings to holiday travel. From beautifully decorated terminals to special holiday events, Vantage’s airport and terminal teams aim to make your journey as pleasant as possible. Despite our busier-than-usual facilities, we hope that our focus on safe and efficient operations, cheerful décor, and engaging activities help to transform the travel experience into a joyful part of your holiday season. Thank you to every employee at each Vantage location who goes the extra mile in making this time of year so special. Please enjoy these festive sights from across the network. Nassau Airport Development Company, Kamloops Airport, Hamilton International Airport (FLYYHM), North Peace Regional Airport (YXJ), Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc Int'l Airport / Aéroport int. Roméo-LeBlanc du Grand Moncton (YQM), LaGuardia Gateway Partners, JFK Millennium Partners, Kansas City Aviation Department, Midway Partnership, Hermes Airports Ltd

🚀Discover the future of #airport and transportation #innovation and get your holiday reading list from our Resource Hub! 🌍 We're excited to introduce our Resource Hub, your go-to destination for the latest insights, articles, and resources on airport development and transportation trends. Whether you're looking for cutting-edge solutions, industry news, or best practices, our Resource Hub has it all. Our contributors from around the network have shared their knowledge and innovative strategies. Let's elevate the future of #transportation together! ✈️🚉