NETHERLANDS. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has launched a pilot scheme with HMSHost International which enables passengers to order food and drinks at the global restaurateur’s outlets in advance, using a QR code.
Passengers can scan a QR code from one of the physical banners or media screens located at and after the airport security check. This QR code will allow them to view participating restaurants, place their order, pay online and choose a time to pick up their order after security control.
Nearly all of the catering outlets in Lounge 1 (Schengen) are involved in the initiative, including Starbucks, La Place, Grand Café Het Paleis and Grab & Fly.
After the pilot period, Schiphol and HMSHost International – which has been the main F&B operator at the airport for the past 25 years – will evaluate whether the number of catering outlets will be increased.
Schiphol Head of Retail, F&B, Commercial Services Irene Muysson said: “This service offers various advantages. If passengers need to wait at security, they can spend their time with ordering a meal or drink. It also means they will not have to queue on arrival in the Lounge, as their order will be ready at the indicated time.”
She added: “They will still have time left over to prepare for the trip or to relax. The number of physical interactions has also been limited, with all stages of the ordering process – from ordering to payment – now taking place online.”
HMSHost International CEO Walter Seib said: “As the global market leader in the food and hospitality industry for people on the move, it is only natural that during these travel-sensitive times, that we fast-tracked the development of our online order and payment platform.
“With this service we meet our guests’ demands for contactless transactions, speeding up service delivery while ensuring our guests continue to receive the attention they can expect.’’
An established scheme is already in place for visitors to the airport’s Schiphol Plaza to place F&B orders in advance using the Foodsy app.
