American Express' current London Heathrow lounge.
The latest news on airports globally, with updates on financing, infrastructure expansion and sustainability initiatives.
American Express has unveiled plans to build new Centurion premium lounges at London Heathrow (LHR) and Newark Liberty International (EWR) airports. The credit card company will also renovate its existing lounges at Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Philadelphia International (PHL) airports. American Express has Centurion lounges at more than 25 airports worldwide. The EWR lounge will be the largest in the Centurion network, spanning 30,000 ft.2 over two floors. The new LHR lounge, which will be American Express’ second at the airport, will be located in Terminal 5 and cover more than 9,000 ft.2. The company said the new lounge will complement its existing lounge in LHR’s Terminal 3. The EWR lounge is slated to open in 2027, while the LHR lounge is pegged for a 2028 opening. The PHL Centurion lounge will close for renovations on Oct. 16 with a planned reopening by the end of 2027 with its size doubled from 6,000 ft.2 to 12,000 ft.2. The IAH American Express lounge will grow from 8,000 ft.2 to 23,000 ft.2, with the expansion scheduled to be completed in 2028.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has finished the first phase of a $253 million upgrade of its Gate Link automated people mover (APM). The first track to be upgraded features new tram vehicles as well as new support systems, including running surfaces, power distribution equipment and vehicle controls. MCO will now move on to upgrade three more tracks.
Airports Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has promoted Steven Yiu from executive director of airport operations to chief operating officer. AAHK manages Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). As COO, Yiu will lead the airport management division and the cargo and logistics division, and he will be responsible for HKG’s core airport operations and cargo development. Yiu has been with AAHK since 1995. He was elevated to the role of executive director of airport operations in 2022, overseeing the planning and management of HKG operations.
Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), Poland’s flagship transport infrastructure project combining a new international airport with a nationwide high-speed rail and road network, is beginning the 14 billion Polish zloty ($3.6 billion) opening phase of major construction. Located between Warsaw and Lodz, CPK is envisioned as the largest airport in Central and Eastern Europe and one of the top 15 hubs in Europe. CPK aims to open in 2032. It said it is in the process of preparing the airport’s terminal foundations and construction facilities, as well as constructing the high-speed rail tunnel in Lodz. It estimates the total cost of the CPK project will reach 131.7 billion zloty by the time all construction is completed by 2032.
Nice Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE) in France has started a “click-and-collect marketplace” in which passengers can buy duty-free products online before arriving at the airport and then pick the product up at a duty-free cash register, a premium lounge or at their departure gate. “Passengers simply select the products they wish to purchase from a wide range of categories, including beauty and fragrance, fine foods and confectionery, and wines and spirits,” NCE said.
Travelex has signed a five-year contract with Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) to be the exclusive provider of foreign exchange and tax refund services at DUS. The contract will take effect on Feb. 1, 2027 with Travelex opening an initial five stores that will include ATMs. There will be two landside locations and three airside stores. Passengers will have access to more than 50 currencies.
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