The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) have awarded Fraport Baltimore Partnership LLC — a joint partnership between Fraport USA and Ernst Valery Investment Corporation (EVI) — a 23-year contract to develop and manage shopping and dining concepts at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
The announcement comes after a protracted procurement period that began in 2022 and was delayed several times amid accusations of a rigged RFP process that favored one of Fraport’s competitors. Fraport has partnered with BWI since 2004.
“We are grateful and humbled by the trust placed in us through this award,” said Fraport USA CEO Sabine Trenk. “This contract represents not only a tremendous opportunity but also a profound responsibility to collaborate with MAA to develop world-class services that exceed expectations and set new standards for quality and customer experience. Our vision for BWI Marshall launches from a storied past and reimagines the future of over 118 concession spaces that will lead the industry in new and exciting opportunities for passenger interaction, traveler engagement, revenue enhancement and a world-class experience.”
“Our new venture, Fraport Baltimore Partnership LLC is uniquely poised to leverage the long history and experience of Fraport and EVI’s unmatched local development abilities, small business empowerment and community engagement skills,” added EVI founder and president Ernst Valery.
“BWI Marshall Airport looks forward to working closely with Fraport Baltimore Partnership to deliver the airport’s ‘Easy Come, Easy Go’ excellent service our customers and passengers have come to know. Members of the partnership have decades of experience successfully managing concessions programs at BWI Marshall and other major U.S. airports,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Thanks to the Board of Public Works, approval of this contract will keep Maryland at the heart of BWI Marshall’s food and retail scene, grow the state’s economy and provide opportunities to uplift communities.”
