Manchester Airports Group (MAG), has joined Plug and Play, a startup accelerator and corporate innovation platform, as its first airport anchor partner.
The collaboration will enable MAG to have influence over new innovations within the travel industry and leverage these technologies to improve the end-to-end travel experience.
Commenting on the partnership, Andrew Harrison, MAG’s CEO, Airport Service said: “We have developed a successful airport e-commerce business in the UK and a rapidly growing US business too. As we continually look for new and innovative ways to develop our business, becoming Plug and Play’s first airport Anchor Partner is the perfect way for us to find fresh new ideas, whilst supporting innovation and entrepreneurialism across the travel sector.”
As well as operating three airports in the UK – Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands – MAG also operates MAG-USA, an airport services business operating airport lounges and parking solutions across the US.
As well developing new technology solutions to support its airport car parking business, MAG established its own in-house technology and e-commerce business last year called MAG-O. Its objective is to respond to technology-driven changes in the way passengers travel and to move the entire airport experience into a new digital era.
Since launching in 2016, Plug and Play Travel and Hospitality has accelerated over 110 startups and will now benefit from the insight of MAG and the airports within its group.
“We are thrilled to onboard MAG as our first airport anchor partner. MAG already has a head start on most airports as it relates to digital transformation. Our goal is to be an additional catalyst in MAG’s future innovation roadmap and ultimately enhance the traveller’s journey through their ecosystem,” said Amir Amidi, managing partner, Plug and Play.
