Oakland, Calif. – Oct. 29, 2019: Improving the passenger experience for Bay Area residents and visitors is key to the vision that drives officials at Oakland International Airport (OAK). Under the leadership of Director Bryant L. Francis, the airport recently forged a new partnership with innovative French company Short Édition, allowing travelers at OAK to enjoy short stories printed on-demand by Short Story Dispensers. On October 10th, the Airport installed two Short Story Dispensers – one in each of its two terminals – and in the first two weeks, distributed nearly 2000 stories to OAK travelers. OAK’s Short Story Dispensers are the first at any California airport.
Francis said, “With all that is required for air travel, a customer’s airport experience can determine the quality of an entire trip. Technology now gives customers unprecedented choice and access to travel, and our goal is to provide the best experience and value possible. Like Oakland itself, our customers are diverse, savvy, and cultured, and in true Oakland spirit, they’re responding very positively to thoughtful, people-focused improvements like the new Short Story Dispensers.”
One-minute, 3-minute, and 5-minute stories by over 9,000 authors include options for both children and adults. Once the story length is selected, a printed papyrus unfurls on eco-friendly paper with no waste, no ink, and no cartridge. The entire exchange is free and takes less than a minute.
The machines arrive as OAK is underway with the complete overhaul of its Airport dining program. As temporary pop-up cafés and white construction walls hold space for the slate of Oakland-inspired eateries to open throughout 2020, OAK has taken steps to help travelers find greater enjoyment within its terminals. Creature comforts like the Short Story Dispensers, new Jabbrrbox private work pods, an ambient Living Wall installed by Kaiser Permanente, and a colorful installation celebrating Oakland-based Children’s Fairyland in Terminal 1 offer splashes of vibrancy and calm.
Travelers may also notice recent enhancements to the Airport’s security checkpoints, a Service Animal Relief Area now available in Terminal 2, as well as new seating at all Terminal 2 gates. Improvements coming in 2020 include new flooring in select areas of both terminals and the kickoff of a terminal-wide restroom renovation program.
ABOUT OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Oakland International is the most centrally-located airport in the 7.7M population Bay Area region, and closest airport to the region’s wealth of business and tourism venues. Oakland’s air service roster to over 60 nonstop destinations is offered on 12 different airline brands – four of which operate with OAK as their sole gateway into the San Francisco Bay region. The vision of Oakland International Airport is to offer customers a world-class experience and be the airport of choice for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by the Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 84,000 jobs in the region and over a million jobs across the United States. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details on shopping, dining, transportation, and more, visit www.oaklandairport.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Keonnis R. Taylor
510-563-6500
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