Manchester Airports Group announces partnership with Silicon Valley start-up accelerator

Plug and Play collaboration aimed at improving travel experience Continue reading →

Manchester Airports Group has struck a partnership with Plug and Play, a leading Silicon Valley start-up accelerator and corporate innovation platform.

This collaboration will place MAG at the heart of the development of innovations and new technologies in travel aimed at improving the travel experience.

In addition, members of the accelerator will benefit from the insight from the airport operator.

MAG operates three UK airports; Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands, and MAG-USA, an airport services business that runs airport lounges and parking solutions in the US.

MAG claims to have a leading position in the UK developing new technology to support airport car parking business.

Last year it established its own in-house technology and e-commerce business – MAG-O – to respond to technology-driven changes and adapt the entire airport experience to the digital era.

Andrew Harrison, MAG’s chief executive, airport services 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 Plug and Play’s first airport Anchor Partner, MAG has the opportunity to influence the technology focus areas of upcoming travel accelerator programs.

MAG joins Plug and Play’s Travel and Hospitality program alongside 21 other partners including Changi Airport Group, Pittsburgh International Airport, and Gatwick International Airport.

Amir Amidi, managing partner at Plug and Play, said: “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 traveler’s journey through their ecosystem.”

Since its launch in 2016, Plug and Play Travel and Hospitality has accelerated over 110 start-ups.

Its mission is to discover, support, and scale disruptive technologies that are defining the future of travel and hospitality.