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BREAKING NEWS
Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm of historic proportions, slammed into Jamaica yesterday with winds of 185 miles per hour, causing widespread devastation. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
The storm was one of the most powerful hurricanes to make landfall on record in the Atlantic Basin. The storm went on to hit Cuba as a category 3, with winds of 115 miles per hour and is heading for the central Bahamas as a category 2.
According to reports, Jamaica’s two main airports, Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston and Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, remain closed this October 29 following the severe impact of the storm.
The Government of Jamaica has launched an official relief and recovery platform following the impact of Hurricane Melissa. The website supportjamaica.gov.jm is designed to coordinate relief efforts, mobilize support, and provide critical resources for those affected by the storm.
The Miami HEAT, in partnership with the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation and Carnival Corporation & plc, has made a $1,000,000 donation to Direct Relief to assist with expected recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. Including this latest donation supporting Jamaica, since 2013 the three organizations have donated almost $17.2 million in total to support Direct Relief’s responses to the crisis in Ukraine, Hurricanes Helene, Milton, Ian, Dorian, Michael, Florence, Irma and Harvey, tornadoes in Kentucky and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
AIRPORTS
With major parts of John F Kennedy International Airport’s multi-billion dollar redevelopment drawing to completion, the concessions programs at all the terminals under construction are taking final shape. TMI reports.
Among the latest operator/concession announcements from JFK are:
JFK Terminal 8. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, American Airlines and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield have announced 24 additional duty free and food hall brands arriving at JFK Terminal 8 as part of the terminal’s expansion, which includes a $125 million commercial redevelopment program. All leasable space has now been awarded at Terminal 8, with new concessions already starting to open.
The additions include Duty Free, operated by Avolta’s Dufry at T8, which is bringing a refreshed collection of luxury boutiques replicating an open-air shop environment inspired by NYC neighborhood shopping and markets. Full story on pages 1 & 2.
JFK Terminal 5. WHSmith North America (WHSNA) is opening a new InMotion concept at JetBlue’s JFK Terminal 5. InMotion is the largest airport-based electronics retailer in the U.S. Page 2.
JFK Terminal 4. JFKIAT & Hudson partner to debut custom & local concepts at Terminal 4. Page 3.
JFK Terminal 6. JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company selected to build and operate the new US$4.2bn Terminal 6 at John F Kennedy International Airport, is adding three iconic NYC eateries to the terminal’s hospitality options, including the historic PJ Clarke’s saloon-style restaurant. These will be the first airport locations for these three New York brands, which are set to open with the new terminal in 2026. Page 3.
MORE AIRPORT NEWS
Fraport Nashville awarded 5-year contract extension. Page 2.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlantic International Airport announces key leadership appointments. Page 2.
Copa Airlines extends contract at JFK T4. Page 3.
SUPPLYSIDE/COMPANY NEWS
The Estee Lauder Companies opens global fragrance atelier in Paris. Page 4.
Floral Street and Netflix team up to produce Bridgerton fragrance. Page 4.
Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail is bringing Maison Perrier-Jouët’s ‘House of Wonder’ experience to two major international hubs – Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Miami International Airport –for the remainder of the year. See more details on page 5.
The Macallan launches latest Harmony Collection release inspired by tea. Page 5.
Erik Juul-Mortensen joins The Bluedog Group as non-executive director. Page 6.
INDUSTRY
Women in Travel Retail+ celebrates record attendance and fundraising success at TFWA Cannes event. Page 6.
