- Areas has been awarded in the Best Innovation category for its proprietary concept SELF, distinguished for revolutionizing airport food service and retail through technology and customer service.
- Located at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, SELF is the world’s first AI-powered robotic restaurant in an airport, combining advanced robotics, computer vision, and Spanish engineering to offer travelers an automated, efficient, and high-quality service.
- Organized by Aena, the awards recognize excellence among food & beverage and travel retail brands operating in its airports and contributing to enhancing passengers’ travel experience.
Barcelona, October 30, 2025
Areas, an international leader in food&beverage and travel retail, was honored in the Best Innovation category for its proprietary concept SELF at the second edition of the international travel retail Enjoy Aena Awards, held last night at the Teatro Real in Madrid. With these awards, Aena recognizes excellence among food & beverage and travel retail brands operating in its airports and contributing to improving the passenger experience.
This recognotion consolidates Areas’ position as a benchmark in innovation and industry transformation, highlighting its pioneering vision, constant commitment to digitalisation, and ability to anticipate new trends in the airport market. SELF marks a new era in airport dining, where technology, efficiency, and service combine to offer travellers a truly distinctive experience.
Located at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, SELF is the world’s first AI-powered robotic restaurant in an airport. This innovative concept integrates advanced robotics, computer vision, and Spanish engineering to deliver an automated, efficient, and high-quality service. The robotic arm can manage multiple orders simultaneously, while customers place their orders via a Smart Kiosk and follow the process in real time. SELF represents the perfect fusion of technology and talent, supported by a human team that accompanies the experience and ensures personalised attention. It reflects Areas’ strong commitment to leading technological innovation in the sector through cutting-edge solutions that optimise processes, enhance sustainability, and elevate the traveller experience.
The award was received by Luis Castilla, Director of Airports Spain & Portugal and Highways Portugal at Areas, on behalf of the team driving the company’s technological transformation.
Sergio Rodríguez, CEO of Areas Iberia, stated: “We are deeply grateful for the recognition we have received at the Enjoy Aena Awards. Innovation is in our DNA, and we believe in the power of technology to transform the traveller experience. SELF is a reflection of that vision and our entrepreneurial spirit, as we are the first to make such a unique experience a reality in the airport world. This award motivates us to continue leading a smarter, more sustainable, and people-centred approach to dining”.
Committed to continuous improvement, Areas continues to drive pioneering projects that redefine travel dining. Among them is On Your Way, a 100% autonomous store located in Terminal T4S of Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, developed in collaboration with Mastercard and AEV. The concept introduces a queue-free, checkout-free retail model, setting a new standard in international travel retail.
This award reinforces Areas’ commitment to excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, as well as its collaboration with top-tier brands and partners to continue leading innovation in the sector.