Free WiFi, remodeled VIP Lounges, renovations and new F&B outlets at Aruba Airport
AAA is taking steps to improve the passenger experience
Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA) in its efforts to continuously improve the passenger experience at the airport, has initiated, and is near completion on a number of new and exciting projects.
Free WiFi
The planning and installation of a new and improved WiFi system has been completed. This allow passengers to enjoy free WiFi throughout the public areas of the airport terminal on their personal WiFi devices while passing time at the airport.
Non US Plaza area
The area between the Non US check-in terminal and the arrival terminal, the so called NON US plaza area, is in its final stages of completion, and includes new furniture for the meeters, greeters and passengers comfort and relaxation. The new and improved departure experience will include a farewell (picture moment) wall branded with the Aruba logo, and a new F&B area with an expanded seating area to create a comfortable environment for guests wishing to grab a bite to eat with family and friends before they depart on their flight.
Passengers leaving to Non US destinations will now enjoy the same relaxing atmosphere that was created a few years back for US Bound passengers. In addition, the extension of the tensile covered walkway in front of the arrival terminal area is also part of this project.
Revamp of restrooms
The public restrooms located at gates 2, 6 and 8 within the departure terminal areas are currently being remodeled and refurbished and expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of this year. Additional gate area restrooms will also be built in the area between gates 4 and 5 and are expected to be completed by year’s end.
F&B renovations and expansions
AAA together with Airport Hospitality Industry N.V. (AHI) have been diligently working on renovating, expanding and creating new concepts for the food and beverage offering at the airport. The most recent addition to the F&B offerings at the airport have been the newly relocated Segafredo area together with a completely new Quiznos outlet situated at gate B (remote gate area). Further short and long term plans have been determined in cooperation with AHI and will result in renovations of certain F&B outlets, expansion with new F&B outlets and additional concepts of F&B to improve the overall quality of service delivered on this front to the passengers.
On the short term AHI will start renovations of both VIP lounges located upon departure at gate 2 and 8. The renovations will entail expansion of the areas, remodeling of the interior and revamping of the VIP furnishings. This project will provide a new look and feel to the VIP lounges and provide facilities to meet the increasing sophistication and expectations of VIP and high-end travelers. Both VIP lounges are set to be completed by the end of July 2015.
A number of changes are also in the works for the food and beverage offerings at the airport to include the expansion of the current Haya Sushi outlet located within the Main Concession Area; conversion of the former Haya Sushi area into a healthy fresh food and beverage concept called Freshii; two additional coffee kiosks will also be added into the complete mix in order to service our passengers both within the Main Concession Area and at our gates 1 and 2 areas; The current location at gate 7 (Binah Coffee Shop) will be redeveloped and turned into a Juan Valdez unit serving both coffee, other beverages and food items.
An area of approximately 400 m² will be developed and constructed by both AAA and AHI between gates 4 and 5 and will entail the addition of three new F&B concepts: A champagne/wine bar concept, a health food concept (Freshii) and an Asian concept, including an additional seating area capacity of approximately 100 - 150 seats. This area is set to be completed by the first quarter of 2016.
“Passenger’s expectations for airport amenities are ever changing, and we are very much committed to meeting those expectations. As we work on streamlining the passenger processes and making the airport easier to navigate over time, we are working in collaboration with our airport partners to provide those services and facilities that passenger expect and provide a world class airport experience for the visitors of Aruba.” says Mr. James Fazio, CEO of Aruba Airport Authority N.V.