Trans-Air Concessions, LLC is a minority owned ACDBE (airport disadvantaged business enterprise) firm based in Atlanta, Ga. The Principals of Trans-Air Concessions, LLC have more than 50 years of combined experience in the airport concession industry. Trans-Air Concession, LLC is a family owned and operated airport Concessions firm started in 2006 by the Ward and Lee families.
Trans-Air also operates several locations in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport as an ACDBE joint Venture partner with the Hudson Group.
The joint venture includes several well known brands such as:
OUR MISSION
To efficiently, enthusiastically, and courteously sell the highest quality food and beverages and/ or merchandise to every customer in our establishment while creating a customer service experience that will make them eager to return again and again!!!
To safely and suggestively serve or sell the highest quality products.
To deliver an unparalleled level of customer service keeping in mind the traveler's time constraints.
To maintain a clean environment for customers and employees to interact.
To work as a “TEAM” to accomplish these goals.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
The Principals have over 50 years of combined experience in the airport concession industry.
Felker W. Ward, III, is the founder and Managing Partner of Trans-Air Concessions, LLC. Felker Ward, III has over 25 years of experience in airports, starting as a cashier in duty-free as a freshman in college. Once he graduated college, he was hired by Concessions International, Inc. and worked as a Concourse Manager in Tom Bradley International Airport (LAX) for three years, managing nine Restaurants and Bars. He then was transferred to Sea-Tac (SEA) Airport in Seattle, Washington where he worked for five years managing a variety of Airport Retail including three Gift and News stores, and several other Food and Beverages locations. He was eventually promoted back to Atlanta and the corporate office for Concessions International, where he accepted the job of Director of Special Projects. He was an integral part of Concessions International’s growth in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and around the country, working in and later heading the Business Development Department. In this capacity he was responsible for negotiating with different concepts, designing the spaces, and monitoring the completion of dozens of units including: Charley’s Grilled Subs, Sam Adams Bars, Miller Lite Bar, Wall Street Deli, Atlanta Bread Company, and locations in Sea-Tac, Denver, and Eagle Co airports. Mr. Ward was the brainchild for the Budweiser Brewhouse Smoking Lounge on Concourse A in HJAIA. Mr. Ward is responsible for the daily operation of the firm as well as business development and contract negotiation.
Felker W. Ward is the elder statesman of the firm, he has extensive experience in the restaurant business. Mr. Ward is Partner and Co-Founder of Trans-Air Concessions, LLC and is a retired highly decorated Vietnam Veteran. A former helicopter pilot, Mr. Ward spent the final years of his military career completing Law School at Emory University. Mr. Ward practiced law for several years before the entrepreneurial bug bit him and he purchased 3 Successful Burger King’s in Southwest Atlanta. He attended the famous Whopper College in Miami Flordia. Mr. Ward also Co-founded Concessions International Inc. one of the largest minority airport concessions firm in the nation. As president of Concessions International, Mr. Ward oversaw and directed the growth of the once ACDBE firm into a PRIME before he sold his ownership stake in 2001. The firm was largest airport minority firm in the country. Mr. Ward is also one of the Co-founding Fathers of AMAC (Airport Minority Advisory Council), an organization that advocates for minority operators, vendors, and suppliers engaged in the airport concessions business. Mr. Ward is an Attorney, and prominent business fixture in Atlanta that many a Mayor, Governor, and Corporation have relied on. To that end, he sits on multiple boards including but not limited to: Tuskegee University, The Atlanta Falcons Football Club, The Atlanta Gas Light Company, The Georgia Historical Society, Savannah State University, and more. Mr. Ward advises the executive staff and works with the management team to ensure that operations will run smoothly and efficiently.
Kristen Lee Barnett, is a partner in Trans-Air Concessions, LLC and has more than 16 years of experience as an owner-operator of retail and food & beverage concepts in some of the world’s busiest airports and popular lifestyle centers. Kristen manages several high-volume operations in airports as head of National Concessions Management, LLC. She has operated or currently operates such great brands as Burger King, The Budweiser Brewhouse, Brookstone, and The Club at ATL to name a few. A graduate of the Duke University School of Law, Ms. Barnett’s legal background has helped Trans-Air to navigate contractual challenges and negotiate outcomes that maximize the company’s interests and her operational expertise has played a key role in Trans-Air’s growth and success.
