Collinson introduces ‘Ready 2 Order’ pilot programme at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport lounge

SAUDI ARABIA. Airport service and experience provider Collinson has introduced a new ‘Ready 2 Order’ pilot programme in the naSmiles lounge at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport.

Ready 2 Order is a digital end-to-end solution that enables a contactless F&B experience for travellers. Guests can scan a QR code or tap an NFC-enabled device on each table or seat to explore a lounge-specific menu and order. Their orders will then be served directly to the table.

The programme was launched in partnership with airport ecommerce platform and contactless marketplace Servy, Collinson’s strategic partner.

In addition to supporting social-distancing, the turn-key solution reduces food waste, removes the necessity for bulky buffet areas and potentially increases seating area. It also allows airport lounge operators to manage their own menus.

Travellers at the naSmiles lounge will now be able to enjoy complimentary F&B services at the lounge, where buffets are currently suspended. The solution will be rolled out across more lounges in Collinson’s Priority Pass global network and will soon be launched in the naSmiles premium lounge at Dammam King Fahd International Airport.

The pilot programme is being rolled out in Mexico, India, the US and the UK and is available in both Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks.

A digital solution for a new world of travel: The pilot programme was launched to coincide with the refurbishments of two Priority Pass lounges in Riyadh and Dammam

The ‘Ready 2 Order roll out coincides with the completion of a major Priority Pass lounge renovation in Riyadh and Dammam. The refurbishments feature a bright and modern aesthetic, more alternative seating options and new contemporary furniture. The Riyadh lounge now includes a new children’s play area and boasts an expanded 500sq m floor area, ensuring the most comfortable and socially-distanced experience for guests.

“The world wants to travel again, but passengers want to feel safe and secure while accessing a full range of services inside the airport,” commented Collinson Middle East and Africa Commercial Director and South Asia Director Priyanka Lakhani. “With the Ready 2 Order e-commerce solution, guests of the naSmiles Riyadh lounge can now order hot, fresh food and beverages from their phone and from the comfort of their chair.

In a recent study by Collinson, 80% of Priority Pass guests prefer a contactless experience, while 82% of Saudi Arabian travellers said that contactless services can greatly improve their airport experience
Ready 2 Order offers tailor-made menus and eliminates the need for spacious buffet areas, which no longer make sense in a world of social-distancing

“This is the kind of solution that will help give travellers the confidence they need to feel safe and comfortable travelling again and it is fitting that the implementation coincides with the recent lounge refurbishment, making it an even more seamless and comfortable experience for guests.”

AlKhalejiah Catering CEO Monther Alhumyanee (representing the naSmiles lounge operator) added, “Travellers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia seek a premium travel experience, including optimum levels of comfort and convenience at our luxury airport lounges. With our refurbishments across leading lounges in our Saudi network, we have worked hard to meet our customers’ exacting design and experience standards.

The turn-key solution, launched in partnership with Servy, promotes social-distancing, increases seating space and enables airport lounge operators to manage their own menus

“With the unveiling of our new look lounge in Riyadh, it is the perfect time for us also to introduce a solution like Ready 2 Order meaning our valued lounge guests can once again enjoy our full range of delicious food and beverage, all ordered from the comfort and safety of their chairs.”

He added, “We’re proud to work with Collinson and Servy to test this exciting solution in Saudi Arabia and we are already looking forward to introducing this innovation in our Dammam lounge.”

According to a recent study by Collinson, 86% of Saudi Arabian travellers highlighted comfortable, socially-distant spaces were important to their airport experience. 82% of Saudi Arabian travellers said the importance of contactless services to enhancing their airport experience in the post-COVID world. In addition, 80% of Priority Pass guests said that they prefer contactless experiences.

Ready 2 Order is being rolled out to Priority Pass and LoungeKey locations around the world
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