Ink buys airline retail media

ARC, which has been going for three years, is considered the key annual event for decision makers shaping the future of in-flight retail. Its last event in July 2009 drew 250 delegates from 32 airlines, 42 sponsors/exhibitors and 16 in-flight retail concessionaires.

ARN, a digital publication launched in April 2009, promotes the conference to an exclusive mailing list of 3000 industry executives. Its publishing schedule will coincide with major industry events, such as Tax Free World Association's Singapore exhibition in May 2010, ARC West 2010, Tax Free World Association in Cannes, October 2010 and ARC Asia, which will launch in 2010.

Jeffrey O'Rourke, Ink's chief executive said, “Over the course of the last year, we have been building up our presence in the in-flight retail market. Acquiring ARC and ARN is a big step and evidence of our commitment to the market.

“Backed by Ink, Angie Mullen and the ARC team will capitalise on the success of the 2009 event, bringing more airlines and in-flight retail concessionaires and service providers together in an independent forum where they can exchange ideas and work together to grow this already exciting market. In addition to the 2010 ARC event in Europe in the second quarter, we are planning to launch an Asian conference later in the year.”

ARC 2010 will remain a business-orientated conference for business professionals and Ink will leverage its platform in the travel industry to ensure that the conference is readily accessible and affordable for airlines and suppliers alike.

Max Williams, founder of ARC, will continue to play an important role in setting the direction for the event. “I am delighted that Ink is the new owner. It is a perfect fit given its leading position in in-flight media, as well as having the resources to take the conference and publication to new heights and territories,” he said.

ARC is available online at www.airlineretailnews.com and more on Ink on www.ink-publishing.com.