b'54 ABQTERMINALSThe airport shut down one gate at a time to renovate boarding bridges and holdrooms.interactive project maps. This provided a visual record of progressThey include Laguna Burger, Teller Vodka, Sadies, Franks that was shared with project stakeholders.Chicken & Waffles, New Mexico Pion Coffee and Indian Pueblo There were times when it was pretty stressful and difficult, butKitchen. Its more reflective of the evolved food and beverage out we had a small army here, Manriquez recalls. Because it was athere in the city and around the state, he says.CMAR [construction manager at risk] project, the architect wasThe refreshed and revamped concessions program reflects with usand still is with usevery step of the way. Manriquezwhat travelers want and what we are seeing at many airportsa says working with a CMAR is particularly effective on projectsmindful investment in the customer experience by bringing in that impact concessions or when a project touches public areasreflections of the local culture beyond art and design, he adds. passengers are moving through. The delivery method also provedAirports are very much investing in making their concessions to be beneficial from a cost and time management perspective,programs more inviting.he notes, adding that an integrated planning structure is superIn addition to traditional built-in concessions spaces, ABQ critical to ensure representation from project partners andis establishing a kiosk program called Ascend ABQ designed relevant airport administration divisions. to help local micro-businesses get their feet wet in an airport Manriquez says he and his team learned a lot about managingenvironment. Ultimately, it will include up to six kiosks, with complex projectsparticularly allowing enough time and space tolocations both pre- and post-security. The program functions minimize impact to passengers while ensuring construction crewsas an accelerator, Manriquez explains. It comes with training can progress. This will allow ABQ to be more sophisticated atand marketing and logistical support so that local entrepreneurs how we do impactful projects like this in the future, he says.can come in [to an airport] but not be taking a big risk in There will be plenty of opportunities to leverage that valuableinvesting because were building the kiosk, were providing the experience, as the airport is currently planning several projects:infrastructure and the training. a new fire suppression system, airfield improvements, an inlineManriquez expects Ascend ABQ to be mutually beneficial. baggage screen system and a new cell phone lot.The program is really geared toward helping them develop the business acumen that is both specific to marketing their products Experience Albuquerque in general, but also to marketing in an airport, he relates. And for Because air travel can be stressful for passengers, ABQ leveragesus, the benefit is getting some interesting, but temporary, mixes of its concessions, art, storytelling and design to provide a moredifferent, local products. Thats an exciting part of it. comfortable experience. Something they can look at, feel andOn a larger scale, ABQ works to enhance the local economy experience, Manriquez explains.and change perceptions of Albuquerque by showcasing its The focus on local food and beverage options, coupled withunique cultural heritage and artistic talents. Dream of Flight: visual artwork and live, cultural performances, is infusing a senseSunport Reimagined is more than terminal renovations, Manriquez of pride in area residents, he reports. Were celebrating ouremphasizes. Its about celebrating history, investing in our live history through our arts and cultural elements. music program and rotating art exhibits, partnering with our Manriquez proudly emphasizes that local, recognizableneighbors to bring in artists and performers. Those are the kinds brands account for 80% of ABQs new food and beverageof opportunities we have and the investments that we have program. Thats a really important difference between local andmade. recognizable local brands were putting forward, he specifies. March | April 2025AirportImprovement.com'