Aberdeen International Airport has appointed Portland Design to support a £2.5m (US$ 3.4m) retail transformation as part of wider plans to upgrade its commercial offering.
The program will see most retail and food and beverage units across the terminal refreshed or redeveloped over the next 16 months. The project forms part of AGS Airports’ long-term AGS Reimagined strategy, which focuses on modernizing facilities and improving passenger experience across its airports.
Portland Design was selected following a competitive tender process and has developed a set of retail design guidelines to support the investment. These guidelines are intended to shape future commercial developments, with a focus on improving layout, visibility and overall passenger flow.
The airport said the framework is based on customer feedback, demographic insights and regional identity, and aims to create a retail environment that reflects Aberdeen and the wider northeast of Scotland.
Tom Hack, retail director at AGS Airports, said, “Aberdeen International Airport is at the beginning of a transformative period for our retail facilities, with more than £2.5m being invested and most units set for change over the next year and a half.”
He added, “Following a robust tender process, Portland Design was the clear choice to help us define the vision for our next generation of retail and food and beverage experiences.”
According to the airport, the guidelines will provide a consistent approach for all commercial operators, supporting improved dwell time, brand differentiation and commercial performance.
Hack said the aim is to align the retail offer with passenger expectations and regional identity. “It’s not just about what’s on the shelves – it’s about design quality, service style, flow, and ultimately creating a welcoming environment that embodies the spirit of the northeast of Scotland,” he noted.
Graham Needham, associate director at Portland Design, said, “We have enjoyed collaborating with the team at Aberdeen International Airport to create a locally rooted commercial experience that enhances the passenger journey while driving commercial success.”
The guidelines will now underpin future tenders and partnerships as the airport moves into the next phase of its commercial redevelopment.
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