SmartDesign Group Designs 'World's Best Airport', Incheon Wins Honour for Airport Design

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jun 24 (MARKET WIRE) --
SmartDesign Group client, Incheon International Airport in Seoul, Korea
recently picked up top honours at the 2009 Skytrax World's Best Airport
awards. The award is based on passenger survey results from travellers in
airports around the world and is the most sought-after in the industry.
The awards reflect a number of categories related to quality including
airport design, retail offerings, amenities, passenger processing and
customer service.

SmartDesign Group worked with Incheon International Airport Corporation
(IIAC) in the redevelopment of Concourse A and the new Passenger Terminal
Building. We asked Nick Baker, President of SmartDesign Group, about the
planning and design of the World's Best Airport. Here's what he had to
say about the airport design.

Q: In your opinion, what makes a great airport?

A: Well, considering today's economic climate, it's probably the presence
of passengers. But joking aside, a great airport is one where the
environment strikes a balance between efficiency and a memorable
experience. For instance, as a passenger, I want check-in to take
minutes. I want to breeze through security without concern and be left
with ample time to relax, dine and shop in a stimulating environment. The
perfect airport experience is without fault, stress or delay.

Q: What were the challenges you faced when you started working with the
Incheon team in 2005?

A: The biggest challenge for us was finding a way to improve an airport
that was already one of the most renowned and benchmarked in the world.
With that in mind, we focused on building brand equity around the
passenger experience. How do both visitors and the thousands of employees
who work at IIA interact with the environment? What and how can we
improve the overall flow of traffic to make the space more pleasurable?

Q: How is the airport experience different today than it was 5 years ago,
10 years ago?

A: I would say that most people consider me an optimist which is true.
However, I do believe that I'm a realist too. And the reality is that
people today are striving to find more time, and to reduce the burden of
stress. Unfortunately, travel and stress seem to go together. I would say
that the most marked change is that may airports now recognize the need
to alleviate stresses created by security and processing.

Also, airport authorities are focusing more on creating uniquely
memorable environments for passengers that reflect regional attributes
and include original retail brands. The goal is to curb homogenization.
While there is still a long way to go in achieving that, when you
consider the creative plans for many airports that are currently under
construction, the future looks incredibly bright.

Q: What design constraints/challenges do you face when it comes to
airport retail design?

A: In more established environments the biggest constraint is lack of
useable commercial space. Apart from that, challenges such as traffic,
flow and ambiance can easily be overcome with planning and attention to
aesthetics.

Q: Incheon International Airport is far from your head office in
Vancouver. What was it like working with a team in Korea?

A: It was amazing. The IIAC team were extremely professional and willing
to explore new ideas and embrace change. The commercial team is
experienced in all areas of revenue enhancement in non-aviation sources.
They have a management team that is adept at supporting tenants and
partners through the challenges and complexities of bureaucracy.

Q: In your opinion, what makes Incheon a world-class airport?

A: From the instant you enter the terminal building, the process is
flawless. Check-in, security and immigration points are plenty and the
level and quality of retail & concessions is as good as it gets. Transit
passengers are catered to, entertained and cocooned in a tranquil
environment, while arriving passengers are processed and delivered
landside in the shortest possible time.

All in all, there is a genuine commitment to excellence.

SmartDesign Group is a retail design practice that specializes in the
commercial development of airports around the world. They have
contributed to the success of over 100 airports worldwide and continue to
pioneer new thinking in areas of non-aeronautical revenue streams and
airport design. SmartDesign Group is committed to working with owners and
operators to maximize opportunities and create efficiencies in the
transportation, sports & entertainment, retail and hospitality
industries. Notable projects include New Doha International Airport, Los
Angeles International Airport, Wembley Stadium, and Hotel One. To find
out more, visit www.smartdesigngroup.com.

Contacts:
SmartDesign Group
Lisa Gervis
604.662.7015 x251
Lgervis@smartdesigngroup.com
www.smartdesigngroup.com

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