"OVERWHELMING RESPONSE" FOR F&B OPERATORS AT JEDDAH"S KING ABDULAZIZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Changi Airports Saudi Arabia (CASA) claims to have received an "overwhelming response" to its call for proposals for the F&B concessions in the new passenger terminal at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA).

More than 80 representatives from over 30 local and global brands attended the briefing for the first tranche of the F&B concessions, which is for two restaurants and three cafes. 

CASA will roll out other proposals for a wide range of concessions, including additional F&B offers in the near future.

Sher Khan, CEO designate of CASA, said: “We are looking at curating and introducing innovative, and refreshing concepts that will excite our guests and enhance their travel experience at the new KAIA. 

"The airport will host passengers and visitors from the Kingdom and all over the world. 

"We want to offer them a wide range of choices, from the familiarity of international cuisines from fast food and gourmet food to Saudi delicacies. We want to showcase Saudi Arabia’s exquisite food culture alongside renowned international F&B names.”

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According to CASA, nearly 10,000 square feet at the new airport’s departure floor has been set aside to offer passengers "an array of delectable dining options".

In addition to new F&B concepts, potential bidders were encouraged to consider value propositions that suit the needs of the diverse passenger profiles at the new KAIA. 

Other than business and leisure travellers, the airport will play host to a large number of pilgrims annually, due to its close proximity to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

This is the first tranche of concessions out of over 40 packages covering more than 100 locations in the new passenger terminal. 

The other concessions for offer will include duty free, duty paid specialty retail, car park, and passenger services such as telecommunications, financial services and car rentals.

The pre-proposal briefing for the F&B concessions, conducted in late January, also introduced the submission process to prospective tenants. 

The deadline for submission of proposals is 11.30 am, Thursday, February 22, 2018.