What's on Tap for Summer Travelers at BWI Airport? BAA Maryland Introduces More Dining Choices & ``Regular Mall'' Prices.

Business Editors/Travel Writers

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 9, 2004

Cafe dining. Pub fare. The perfect pick me up. Travelers at Baltimore/Washington International Airport will have a variety of new dining choices to whet their appetite before taking off this summer. Effective tomorrow, June 10, the interim phase of the retail development led by BAA Maryland brings several new brands to the terminal. The selections range from gourmet coffee to New York style pizza and traditional Irish fare.

Caribou Coffee joins a growing list of operators that are bringing more choices to BWI travelers. The nation's second largest specialty coffee company has over 200 stores and 4,000 employees in nine states and the District of Columbia. Several of Caribou Coffee's distinctive lodge-style shops are located in the greater Baltimore/Washington region. Caffe Ritazza, another established brand that wins raves for its premium roasts, operates bar/cafes in international airports. It will open two units at the airport. Hudson News will also introduce its award-winning Euro Cafe concept at the airport.

The retail program being phased in over the next two years encompasses approximately 140,000 square feet of new and redeveloped concession space, including six new food courts. The new concessionaires will occupy and refurbish existing units, and eventually build new stores. "It is a pleasure to announce some of our new and interim operators at BWI Airport. From the initial phase to the completed program in 2005 and beyond, we're committed to introducing exciting concepts and offering high levels of service to our customers throughout the transition," says Mark Knight, president of BAA Maryland. "They'll also get more value for their money."

With BAA's "regular mall" pricing, a cup of coffee at the airport will cost the same as a cup of coffee at a comparable neighborhood shop. "We are 100 percent 'street priced,' adds Knight, "which means that customers will not be overcharged for their purchases at the airport shops and eateries." BAA Maryland reinforces its pledge with a money-back guarantee and toll-free customer hot line, 1-800-ITS-FAIR.

Another newcomer to BWI is Maryland's own hot pizza maker, Mamma Ilardo's. The pizzeria, which has more than 50 locations in the U.S, will be offering its New York style and deep dish pizza by the slice at its express units in Concourses B and C. Menu selections for BWI travelers will include Mamma's famous breakfast pizza.

O'Brien's Pub and Grill, an original concept of Compass Group PLC, the world's largest contract foodservice company with operations in more than 90 countries, moves into the former CK's restaurant space, near Concourse C. O'Brien's boasts a fresh menu of Irish food and drink specialties, from Sheppard's Pie and corn beef and cabbage to Guinness(R) draughts. The establishment offers full-serve, a.m. to p.m. dining and lounge, with comfortable seating for up to 200 patrons.

Hudson News Euro Cafe brings its award-winning newsstand with a twist to the Landside Terminal. The combination newsstand/cafe serves up a special blend of coffee made of the best Arabica coffee beans from three continents, as well as cold blended, fruit beverages, locally baked pastries, and light, healthy snacks including salads, soups and sandwiches.

The shops and restaurants at BWI Airport are open daily. Hours vary by store and location. For information, call 1-800-487-3247.

About BAA

BAA Maryland is a project of BAA USA, an affiliate of BAA plc, the world's leading airport company. BAA owns and operates seven UK airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Southampton, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow). BAA manages all operations of the Indianapolis International Airport and is the master developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations at the AIRMALL(R) at Pittsburgh International Airport and at Boston Logan International Airport Terminals B and D/E. BAA has taken significant shareholdings in international airports including Naples, Italy. In Australia, BAA has a stake in six airports with major retail programs in Melbourne and Perth.

BAA Maryland is the developer and manager of a new retail program at BWI Airport. The initial phase of the two-year project, which encompasses approximately 140,000 square feet of new and refurbished concession space, is in progress. A variety of new retailers and eateries will be opening new stores throughout the transition.