| A wonder of the airport worldThis article forms part of a series on Abu Dhabi International Airport’s magnificent new Terminal A, which began operations on 1 November.The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie visited the terminal in late November both on a guided basis and separately as an unencumbered passenger. His interviews with key stakeholders, including Abu Dhabi Airports leadership and management, concessionaires and designers, will be published over coming days and weeks. These will culminate in an exclusive eZine post the 9 February 2024 official inauguration, designed to capture the enthralling narrative of this extraordinary project. |
UAE. SSP Group is celebrating the encouraging early success of its airside Food Park at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s newly opened Terminal A, featuring international brands and local concepts designed to appeal to the airport’s diverse passenger profile.
The 1,770sq m Food Park accommodates up to 700 guests. With a strong Sense of Place and serving a wide variety of food options, the park is expected to appeal to those working at the airport as well as travellers.
Several SSP brands feature, including coffee shop Ritazza, Camden food co., which offers a selection of healthy dishes as well as treats, and Levito, with a menu of Italian dishes, including pizza, pastas and tiramisu.
Customers seeking Indo-Asian foods can visit Patamar, which was developed by SSP specifically for the airport, and serves classic Indian dishes such as curries alongside Asian dishes including Filipino breakfast silog, sushi and ramen.
SSP has also partnered with a number of franchise brands. Operation Falafel is a Dubai-born Arabic street food brand, serving traditional Middle Eastern food with a 21st century twist. Fast food concept Texas Chicken serves fresh fried chicken and sandwiches, wraps and Texan-style sides including honey butter biscuits.
The development also features high-profile global brands, including TGI Fridays, the casual dining restaurant which serves signature glazed ribs, steaks, cocktails and mocktails, and fast food brand Burger King. A Mövenpick Ice Cream cart complements the offer.
In addition to the Food Park, Butlers Chocolate Café (see photos below) is the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi, as reported. At the café, which carries a bar offer for the first time, customers will be able to choose from a wide range of barista-prepared coffees and teas, as well as chocolate drinks, served with a complimentary chocolate of the customer’s choice.
Cocktails, whiskeys and bourbons are also available. Butlers Chocolate Café has seating for just under 100 guests across its 172sq m space.
Sustainability has been high on the agenda of Abu Dhabi Airports for the new terminal since the initial stage of conception to design and build, and the project has achieved a 3 Pearl Estidama environmental rating – the highest score that can be awarded to a government building.
Reflecting its own sustainability objectives, SSP said it has implemented many sustainable practices during the build and operation of its new units, including the use of reclaimed wood, water-based air-conditioning to reduce the consumption of energy and the introduction of operational efficiencies to reduce the impact on the environment.
Abu Dhabi Airports Chief Commercial Officer Maureen Bannerman said; “We are delighted to welcome SSP Group and their one-of-a-kind, innovative Food Park to Abu Dhabi International Airport. Their hospitality experience and multiple cuisine offerings further adds to the wide array of customer services available to our passengers at the state-of-the-art Terminal A. With 163 food & beverage and retail options, Terminal A elevates the airport experience.”
Over 60 new jobs have been created at the location. Where possible digital elements such as self-ordering kiosks and digital menu boards have been added across the development to enhance the customer experience, with charging points also provided.
SSP CEO of India and Eastern Europe and Middle East Mark Angela said: “These new openings are a testament to our strong relationship with our colleagues at Abu Dhabi Airports and their belief in us as a trusted and reliable commercial partner. Over the past 15 years since we began operating here, our partnership has gone from strength to strength, and we have seen our business grow considerably.
“Our dedication to providing the highest quality food and service has stood us in good stead, and we are committed to continuing to exceed expectations over the life of the new contract.
“Throughout the process, we’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that our planning complements the outstanding design of the new terminal, ensuring that the food & beverage offer is an eye-catching focal point on the Mezzanine level and a real ‘beacon’ for travellers. These outstanding bars, restaurants and cafes capture the true spirit of Emirati culture and will cement our reputation in this important market.” 
