Amazon has reportedly inquired about installing its cashierless Go stores at several US airports. The company has asked for meetings with managers at LA and San Jose international airports and received a positive response.
Amazon was trying to figure out how to get into airports and assigned a business development employee to the task. Officials said that Amazon would have to go through the same competitive bid process as any company to become a concessionaire, however.
It’s not clear how profitable Amazon Go could be at airports. Employees would need security clearances, and retail space tends to be at a premium. What’s more, airports are often publicly run, so all of the terms and conditions would be publicly available — something that Amazon may not be crazy about.
Even if it runs at a loss, however, it could be well worth it. It would gain an opportunity to expose Go to travelers that might otherwise never experience it. You’ll be able to build broad awareness just being in a dozen of the best airports.
