Groupe ADP Acquires Luxury Terminal Operator PS, Expanding High-End Travel Service Worldwide

When PS (formerly known as Private Suite) was first launched, private terminals within commercial airports were virtually unheard of. But today, luxury travel has become more about the entire journey than simply the destination, and PS’s unique offerings continue to resonate with travelers looking to bypass the crowds and security lines at the airport for a more serene and private experience. Since 2017, PS has made this vision a reality, first at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and then at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Now, with its recent acquisition by Groupe ADP, a global airport operator that manages 26 airports around the world, PS is poised to expand its uber-exclusive services even further.

The Journey So Far: From LAX to ATL – and Beyond

The vision behind PS was simple but revolutionary: to provide the refined service and personalized experience typically reserved for private jet travelers, but in the commercial travel space. This ambition quickly took off. Since opening its first location at LAX, PS has served nearly 250,000 passengers, offering them an escape from the hustle and bustle of the main terminals. Upon arrival, travelers are welcomed into luxurious private suites that accommodate up to four guests, or they can opt for a sophisticated communal lounge called The Salon, perfect for solo flyers. From the moment they step out of their cars, PS ensures a VIP experience. Luggage is discreetly handled and seamlessly transferred to the aircraft while guests enjoy gourmet dining options, an array of premium snacks to take onboard, and a private chauffeured ride across the airfield to the gate in a custom BMW. Passengers can choose to be among the first or last to board, accessing the plane via a private stairway onto the jet bridge, typically reserved for airport staff. PS is able to do this as they have the only private partnership with both TSA and Customs and Border Protection, allowing PS guests to move seamlessly through arrivals and departures.

After years of planning and working with airport regulators, two more hubs are already underway in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and my hometown of Miami at Miami International Airport (MIA).

Enter Groupe ADP: A New Era for PS and the Future of Luxury Travel

PS’s latest chapter is unfolding through a partnership with Groupe ADP, a renowned global airport operator with a strong emphasis on hospitality through its Extime brand. The acquisition, completed with former owner TPG (NASDAQ: TPG), aligns PS with Groupe ADP’s vision of transforming airports from mere transit hubs into luxury destinations. In 2023, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 99.7 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and 336.4 million passengers in airports abroad. For PS, this is an exciting step forward that will fuel its growth and allow for the kind of innovations in upscale airport hospitality that travelers have come to expect from high-end brands.

“When we started PS, we were initially in the security and logistics business,” shares Amina Belouizdad Porter, CEO of PS. “But demand for our services has evolved, and we’ve grown to deliver convenience and the elevated experience that’s become synonymous with PS.” For Porter, the future looks bright with Groupe ADP as the new partner, as PS aims to go beyond national borders, bringing its luxurious travel experience to international airports.

BJ Loessberg, a partner at TPG Growth, reflects on how PS has transformed commercial travel. “When we partnered with PS, we saw an opportunity to enhance the commercial flying experience for luxury travelers,” says Loessberg. “PS’s strong performance reflects the leadership and vision of Amina and her team, and we’re proud of the success we’ve achieved together. Groupe ADP is the ideal partner for PS as they expand their presence in the U.S. and beyond, pushing the boundaries of luxury travel.”

What’s Next for PS? Expanding the World of High-End Air Travel

With Groupe ADP’s support, PS is setting its sights on bringing even more exclusive experiences to travelers worldwide. This partnership not only brings PS closer to establishing a global presence but also opens the door to innovations in airport hospitality that will redefine what luxury travel can be. By integrating Groupe ADP’s Extime brand vision, PS is on track to create truly unique and upscale airport experiences for commercial passengers across the globe.