BLR Highfliers 6.0: How Bengaluru Airport reimagined and rewarded its frontline concessionaire champions

Prologue: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) recently celebrated the sixth edition of its pioneering BLR Highfliers programme – an acclaimed rewards and recognition platform for concessionaire front-line teams.

The Bangalore International Airport Limited-run airport (BIAL) is committed to creating a travel landscape where passenger experience and commercial innovation go hand in hand, setting a benchmark which it claims few airports can match.

From October to December 2024, the BLR Airport commercial zones came alive with energy, purpose and healthy competition. Tapping into the festive season and peak travel trends, retail and F&B teams brought their best to the shop floor, driven by shared goals and a spirit of excellence.

The event culminated in a grand finale at Taj Bangalore on 28 February where top performers from across BLR Airport’s food & beverage, duty-free and general retailer were honoured – not just for sales achievements, but for the care and commitment they bring to every customer interaction.

Here we present a snapshot of the event and an extensive Picture Gallery.

“What sets BLR Highfliers 6.0 apart is its people-first ethos,” says BLR. “At its core, it is a celebration of those on the ground – frontline champions who quietly shape the passenger experience, one conversation, one recommendation, one thoughtful moment at a time.

“This wasn’t just another awards night; it was a heartfelt gesture – an airport recognising its own with pride and gratitude.”

Depth was added to the evening when scholars from the airport’s proprietary learning platform, BIAL Academy’s ‘Runway to Success’, were recognised for their growth and continued pursuit of excellence.

By valuing both performance and learning, BLR Airport reaffirmed a simple belief: that progress happens when people are seen, supported, and celebrated.

The evening was also highlighted by a series of fireside chats (pictured below) featuring key voices shaping the future of travel retail.

BIAL Chief Operating Officer Satyaki Raghunath offered keen insights into India’s aviation momentum, while Chai Point CEO Amuleek Singh reflected on a fast-evolving F&B landscape.

Travel Retail Services COO & Business Head Harmeet Grover brought a practical lens to shifting shopper behaviour, while Avolta India Country Manager David Grady shared a global perspective, echoing the belief that the most successful airports of the future will be those that integrate commerce with a meaningful customer experience.

The launch of BLR Pulse Rewards Orientation marked a new chapter in how due recognition is approached. The inclusive loyalty programme is designed to reward both travellers and staff, bringing engagement, appreciation and innovation under one platform.

Among the most vibrant showstopper highlights was the VM Challenge (won by Team Green Fashion), where concessionaire teams transformed airport retail into a runway of sustainable creativity.

“Drawing inspiration from eco-conscious fashion, their displays were bold, expressive and purpose-led – reminding everyone that innovation often starts from the shop floor,” BIAL observes.

As with all BLR celebrations, the night had its share of magic. From a hypnotic Pixel Poi act to the fiery Wings of Fire performance to interactive dance workshops and a DJ-led afterparty, the spirit was unmistakably festive.

But what truly defined BLR Highfliers 6.0 was its deeper intention, the airport company notes. “Through digital-first certificates, QR-coded recognition and stories that celebrated every winner’s journey, the event became more than a ceremony it became a reflection of a culture. One that sees people. One that uplifts them,” BIAL concludes.

“At a time when airports around the world are exploring ways to bring a more human touch to travel retail, BLR Airport seems to have found a rhythm that resonates. Here, recognition isn’t just a once-a-year moment – it’s part of the culture.

“And Highfliers is a reflection of that belief: when you celebrate your people with sincerity and imagination, the sky isn’t the limit – it’s just the beginning.”