AMI: in it for the long haul

AMI has been working with airlines to provide food and beverage solutions for nearly 30 years. Here the AMI leadership and its industry partners explain just what it takes to make airline partnerships work

This year marks the 30th anniversary of AMI, a leading provider of food, wine and beverage solutions. Since its founding in 1989 by Thierry Leduc, AMI has transitioned from a product representation company to a leading airline partner and innovation-oriented company, simultaneously building a large portfolio of products and services. Managed by a dynamic team across eight

offices

around the world, AMI has a closeknit relationship with its network of suppliers and airline customers.

ONE-STOP SUPPLIER

Denise Poole, CEO of AMI Inflight and AMI Wines, explains: “AMI is a global, one-stop supplier to the airline industry and represents a network of over 120 different entities including international conglomerates and smaller manufacturers with unique product offerings. We cover everything you can eat or drink on a plane from pretzels to caviar and bottled water to global wines.”

PROBLEM SOLVERS

Airlines reach out to AMI not only for its premium products but also for innovative solutions. According to former Sr. VP of Continental and United Airlines, Sandra Pineau-Boddison,

AMI has built a solid reputation. She says: “My 26-years in airlines taught me they are complex businesses and the onboard services aspect can be even more complicated. Partnerships require the supplier to understand the goals and objectives. Airlines need to openly communicate and that way, partners that proactively bring solutions

and new ideas to the table differentiate themselves from the rest.”

PERSONALIZED SERVICE

The group’s commitment to providing a personalized customer experience is deeply ingrained in its corporate culture. AMI Group CEO, Etienne Siouffi, says: “Considering the rapid development of the travel industry, it is essential for an airline partner to have a unique understanding of passenger needs. Airlines are in business to fly, and we would like to better accommodate their passengers in more ways than you can imagine.”

A COMPETITIVE EDGE

Rüdiger Friedrichs, President of Frankenberg, has a long working relationship with AMI and adds: “The airlines understand that passengers want two main things: first, a friendly, service-minded crew and second, high quality and sustainable products onboard. AMI’s competitive advantage is the exceptional level of professional care they offer. We always feel the AMI team is committed to their customers and really understands their needs, achieving the highest possible level of quality, cost efficiency and most importantly, consistency. This is powered by passion and loyalty.”

TEAM SPIRIT

Partnerships in the travel industry are fueled by a distinct human element. In AMI’s case, teamwork can be a competitive advantage for success. Pineau-Boddison adds: “The AMI team continually challenges the status quo and raises the bar when it comes to products and services. This includes bringing in new team members and establishing partnerships to develop the business and anticipate customer needs. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship that ensures positive outcomes.”

UNIQUE QUALITIES

Leduc explains the thinking: “AMI and its partners host top talent with specialized knowledge and industry experience, sourced directly from within the sector so we have culinary experts within the team to broaden our F&B competences. We operate like a family and together we are more than the sum of our individual parts. Although diverse in its composition, there is a unique synergy across the team. “I work alongside some truly outstanding individuals and industry leaders,” recalls Dan Day, Executive VP of AMI Inflight. “In fact, some of those professional relationships have grown into personal mentorships and longlasting friendships.”

These personal connections are reflected in the name, AMI. “AMI stands for ‘Airline Marketing International’ but has an additional significance as AMI means friend in French,” says Siouffi.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Achieving success through innovation in a fast-paced sector for 30 years is not easy. Poole recalls: “AMI has faced several reinventions in light of special projects and market challenges. With each change, we dedicate our efforts to enhance our relations with suppliers and better serve our customers.”

LOOKING AHEAD

“There are some big opportunities for operators in the market right now,” concludes Leduc. “We hope to maintain organic growth and add value in other markets worldwide, connecting the right people across the supply chain to deliver results. We have 30 years behind us, but we are certainly looking forward to the future.”