Westfield Corporation is giving priority to airport shopping through its new airport development strategy “One Airport Journey. One Holistic Experience” for its division that has reported US$860 million (NZ$1.29 billion) in annual sales.

Last year Westfield reconfigured its business after undergoing a split. Scentre Group is now the owner and manager of the Westfield malls in Australia and New Zealand, while Westfield Corp runs the shopping centres in the United States, the UK and Italy.

The development strategy aims to respond to consumers who desire a seamless experience, guided by information from home to the curb, the gate and beyond.

“Today’s consumers expect more than concessions upgrades,” said Dominic Lowe, executive VP,Westfield.

“They want a seamless journey, one that’s connected physically and digitally, one that’s personalised to reduce the uncertainty, stress and tension today’s air travellers face. We’re excited to partner and coinvest with airports and airlines to develop and manage a cohesive customer journey that increases customer satisfaction and revenue.”

Westfield develops long-term partnerships with airports and airlines and provides significant, upfront capital and ongoing investment. In airports across the US, Westfield is integrating food, fashion, art, and entertainment.

“Today, airlines and airports are competing fiercely on a global scale, and customers expect more,” said Ziba Ghassemi, senior director of design, Westfield Airports. “They want an efficient experience that provides them with time to shop, dine and relax.”

The group, which has made its mark at Los Angeles international airport, now has a presence in the major airports in New York, Chicago, Boston, Florida and Texas.

The push into airports follows every single space at the Westfield Group’s World Trade Centre in New York retail complex being leased. All 125 stores that will occupy the company’s distinct “Oculus” space will open in the first half of 2016.