Barry Nassberg of Worldwide Flight Services says Hong Kong was the ideal location for the group’s launch in Asia

French-based multinational company Worldwide Flight Services is about to export a ground-breaking model of airport services provision it developed in Hong Kong.

Describing the Hong Kong business model as "a huge success", the firm will soon replicate the venture - branded as The Airport Concierge - in Bangkok and the Chinese mainland.

Worldwide Flight Services, established more than 20 years, is one of the world's three largest providers of airport services and management. A subsidiary of the Vinci Group, it operates at more than 100 airports around the world and has about 12,000 employees, including 600 in Hong Kong.

Barry Nassberg, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of global operations, said Hong Kong was the ideal location for the group's Asian launch.

Perfect platform to Asia

"The company was very well developed in Europe and North America, and when we were considering our next strategic move, Asia offered the most airport development," he said.

"We looked for where would be the greatest amount of opportunity - and Hong Kong was the place. Our intention was twofold: to find a location for our regional office, and a launchpad to Asian markets. Hong Kong won on both counts."

Historically a transport hub, Hong Kong had an aviation network that was both well developed and growing, Mr Nassberg said. There was tremendous investment in the new Hong Kong International Airport - which at the time was under development, and since opening has consistently been voted best airport in the world - and the group could see exciting opportunities opening up in the Chinese mainland.

The firm entered Hong Kong in 1996, starting with 35 employees, after it won the contract to provide airport refuelling services. Today the staffing levels have increased many fold, and its operations cover a raft of supporting services such as baggage handling, porter service, VIP meet-and-greet and luggage delivery services, in-airport transfers and wheelchair assistance. It even operates customer service and baggage handling for the Airport Express line, in an arrangement with Hong Kong's MTR (Mass Transit Railway) corporation.

Success soon followed

"The model was an experiment, since there was no similar equivalent in the world," Mr Nassberg said. "We are pleased to say it has been a huge success."

The venture found a ready market, particularly among Hong Kong business travellers who can have all their baggage handling needs taken care of, without them having to lift a finger.

Leveraging on the Hong Kong model, the company opened a representative office in Beijing and is soon to announce a major project in Shanghai. It will launch The Airport Concierge in Thailand when the new Bangkok airport opens next year.

"Hong Kong has served us well," Mr Nassberg said. "With Asia remaining a key focus for us, we can see much more opportunity for future growth."

Related link
Worldwide Flight Services 
Vinci Group