New Launch Pad operator brings award-winning skin care to BWI

BALTIMORE – Passengers at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport can discover a new line of natural skin care products on their journey. A Baltimore original, Fran’s Organic Bodycare’s bright kiosk in Concourse D offers traveler basics, including moisturizers, toothpaste, and deodorant, plus bestsellers that span soaps and body scrubs to essential oils and accessories.

The handcrafted line is a labor of love for owner Fran Ngong. After struggling with a condition that robbed her of hydrated skin, she set out to create her own natural body care recipes. Major retailers and brands have since recognized her commitment to natural products. In 2018, Fran was awarded Burt’s Bees Natural LaunchPad Grant for her FreeMe Natural Deodorant.

“Small businesses remain an essential part of our award-winning food and retail program,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director of BWI Marshall Airport. “We’re excited to feature a new local entrepreneur in our concessions program that will appeal to our passengers.”

Fran’s Organic Bodycare is the seventh participant in Fraport Maryland’s Launch Pad program. Now in its 2nd year, the innovative program creates retail opportunities for area entrepreneurs and startups at the airport. Fraport and the Maryland Aviation Administration are working to enhance the airport experience by bringing the authentic culture of the region to the airport community. Launch Pad operators receive a kiosk along with training, sales, and marketing support.

“We are pleased to welcome Fran Ngong to our Launch Pad program and introduce travelers to her natural skincare products, all made in Baltimore,” said Gary H. Gilliard, vice president of Fraport Maryland. “Fran’s Organic Bodycare adds to the exciting array of shops at BWI Marshall Airport. Thanks to our partnership with airport and community leaders, we’re offering more options for passengers than ever before at the airport.”

Airport officials and special guests welcomed the new operator to the airport during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 16, 2019.

About Fraport USA®
Fraport USA is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Nashville International Airport (BNA). A leading airport concessions model in North America, Fraport USA’s projects rank among the highest for per-passenger spending and consistently receive accolades for innovation and customer service. For more information, visit fraport-usa.com. Fraport USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Fraport AG is active at some 30 airports on four continents around the globe. Visit Fraport AG at fraport.com.