Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has teamed up with Silicon Valley start-up accelerator and corporate innovation platform Plug and Play.
The partnership will give MAG influence over new innovations in the travel industry, allowing the group to leverage technologies to improve the travel experience.
In addition to operating three major airports in the UK, MAG also operates MAG-USA, an airport services business operating airport lounges and parking solutions across the United States.
The agreement comes after the group established its own in-house technology and eCommerce business last year, MAG-O, to respond to tech-driven changes in the way passengers travel.
CEO Andrew Harrison 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.”
MAG joins Plug and Play’s travel and hospitality programme alongside 21 other partners including Changi Airport Group, Pittsburgh International Airport and Gatwick International Airport.
Amir Amidi, managing partner of Plug and Play, added: “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 & Hospitality has accelerated over 110 start-ups.