{"id":8018,"date":"2023-02-09T17:33:17","date_gmt":"2023-02-09T16:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/areas.com\/?p=8018"},"modified":"2025-04-02T12:40:53","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T10:40:53","slug":"areas-reinforces-its-global-growth-with-a-strong-focus-on-the-u-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/areas.com\/en\/press\/airports\/areas-reinforces-its-global-growth-with-a-strong-focus-on-the-u-s\/","title":{"rendered":"Areas reinforces its global growth with a strong focus on the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"<p>After navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Areas is back on a strong growth trajectory, with a clear focus on expanding its presence in the U.S. market. In an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lavanguardia.com\/economia\/20230209\/8733631\/oscar-vela-areas-barcelona-sede-aeropuertos-aena.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">interview<\/a> with <em>La Vanguardia<\/em>, CEO \u00d3scar Vela highlighted the company\u2019s recovery, its international expansion strategy, and the decision to relocate its headquarters back to Barcelona. With operations in ten countries and a growing footprint in major American airports like Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, and Mexico\u2019s Los Cabos, Areas has cemented its role as a key player in travel hospitality.<\/p>\n<p>One of the company\u2019s most significant achievements has been securing the majority share in Madrid-Barajas Airport\u2019s latest food and beverage concession, obtaining 35 of the 55 available locations. This contract, valued at \u20ac1 billion over eight years, marks the largest restaurant concession in Spanish airport history and serves as a cornerstone of Areas\u2019 post-pandemic growth strategy. Despite a sharp drop in revenue during the pandemic\u201446% in 2020 and 56% in 2021 compared to 2019\u2014Areas has nearly regained its pre-pandemic employment levels, now boasting a global workforce of 20,000.<\/p>\n<p>Vela highlighted the company\u2019s diversified business model as a key factor in its resilience. While 50% of revenue comes from airports, another 25% is generated from railway stations and 25% from motorway service areas. The company\u2019s strategic expansions, including acquiring Autogrill\u2019s operations on the AP-7 and securing service area concessions in the U.S., have strengthened its global reach. Looking ahead, the U.S. remains a primary focus for growth, with Areas operating in ten major American airports and aiming to double its presence in the country within the next two to three years.<\/p>\n<p>Returning Areas\u2019 headquarters from Paris to Barcelona was another strategic move. Vela emphasized that it was a natural decision, as Barcelona provides a strong talent pool and global connectivity. Supported by its majority shareholder PAI Partners, Areas is now firmly positioned as the world\u2019s third-largest travel foodservice operator, competing with major American and British groups while continuing to expand internationally.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Areas is back on a strong growth trajectory, with a clear focus on expanding its presence in the U.S. market. 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