Fraport Maryland introduces local names to airport under Launch Pad programme

USA. Fraport USA has introduced five new shops representing local brands at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, under the airport company’s Launch Pad programme.

Now in its fifth year, Launch Pad offers small, local and minority businesses opportunities to start an airport retail enterprise.

Airport officials joined local small business owners to celebrate the opening of their first retail units at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport under the Launch Pad programme

The stores include Everything Blings Boutique, Messy Buddha and Plum Good in Concourse D, WELL TRVLD in the A/B Food Court area, and the return of New Secrets Tea in Concourse B. The shops carry an array of fashion & accessories, candles, spices, custom apparel and natural herbal teas.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with officials on 2 June 2 to celebrate the new arrivals.

Several of the new brand owners proudly open their spaces to the public under the Launch Pad programme

The openings followed a recruitment and selection process, in-depth training and certification and onboarding over the past few months. Fraport Maryland enhanced the programme for 2022, bringing additional resources, training, mentoring, and business development, sales and marketing support with area business partners.

“We are delighted to welcome the class of 2022 to our programme at BWI Marshall Airport,” said Gary Gilliard, Vice President of Fraport Maryland, developer and manager of the concessions programme.

“Stories about how they got their start and all they have to offer with their unique product lines resonated with the selection committee. We wish them tremendous success with their new airport retail ventures.”

Since 2017, nine Launch Pad businesses have opened at the airport with diverse offers that celebrate the region.

Food & Beverage The Magazine eZine