JETWAY EXPRESS EQUIPS TRAVELERS WITH ESSENTIALS TO AID THEIR TREK

(LOS ANGELES – May 25, 2000) Whether you need the latest news, your favorite magazine, aspirin for a headache, flowers to greet your loved one, a last minute gift or a souvenir, Jetway Express provides essentials to ease the traveler’s woes. Located in Terminal 3 and Terminal 6, Jetway Express is dedicated to catering to the traveling public of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and their needs.

Established in 1994, Jetway Express is owned and operated by Chih Hising Pei, who first came to Southern California 20 years ago. A graduate of Wisconsin University, Pei was recruited by residents in Chinatown, to facilitate economic development programs for the city of Los Angeles. She later worked for the Asian American Economic Enterprise, an organization designed to create jobs for the Asian American community.

It was while working on job placement and training for the United Chinese Restaurant Association (UCRA) that she was first exposed to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) vendors and contractors program.

"It has been a great partnership working with LAWA," said Pei. "They do a good job with outreach and there are many opportunities available if you are willing to take advantage of them."

Managing as many as 40 employees at any given time, Pei finds retail very challenging. She relies on assistance and support from her family. Her parents have been a big help providing sound business advice, while her three-year-old daughter helps on purchasing trips. In addition to her two Jetway Express locations, the Marina Del Rey resident also operates Sees Candy Stores in LAX Terminals 1,3, and 4, where she also has a duty free cart.

The one thing that Pei feels that must remembered when dealing with the retail public at an airport, is customer service. "You must be polite to the travelers," said Pei. "At LAX you have people from all over the world. They are often in a rush and sometimes are upset or tired. It is important to spend time with them. This may be the only time they are in Los Angeles, and you want to give them a good feeling about their trip."

For contracting opportunities with Los Angeles World Airports, visit its website at www.lawa.org or call 310-417-6490.