Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi Airports today awarded contracts to two of the world's most innovative Duty Free operators, Aer Rianta International and Lagardère Capital, to provide Duty Free concessions in the Midfield Terminal Building (MTB).
The Aer Rianta International group (ARI), a leading airport retail management company with operations at airports in Europe, New Zealand, North America and the Middle East, will design and operate Duty Free space dedicated to perfumes, cosmetics, skincare, sunglasses and jewelry. Lagardère, a global leader in travel retail,will oversee the tobacco, confectionery, and fine foodscategories,in partnership with Abu Dhabi Capital Group.
The tender process started in February last year. Retail operatorswere asked to submit concepts which wouldcapture the essence of Arabian hospitality, combined with retail execution that would offer sensational shopping experiences to the 30 million passengers who are expected to use the MTB when it opens.
H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "Offering an unrivalled, sensational travel experience to passengers sits at the heart of everything we aim to deliver at the Midfield Terminal Building - the future gateway to the capital city. We received several very strong bids for these contracts, but Aer Rianta International and Lagardère Capital came up with ideas that will set new benchmarks in airport retail. We selectedthese two companies as their technologically-advanced, unique concepts were perfectly aligned with our ambitions. With them both on board, we are confident that the MTB retail offering will impress travelers, creating a distinctive sense of purpose and sense of place thatthey will want to experience again and again."
Commenting on the win ARI CEO Jack MacGowan said "This is a very proud moment for ARI and its partners worldwide and I'd like to pay tribute to the entire ARI project team who worked tirelessly on this submission. Delivering ADAC's vision of "Sensational Experiences" was at the heart of our proposal and we are excited at the prospect of seeing our innovative designs, marketing campaigns and retail concepts brought to life at the new Midfield Terminal. I'd also like to commend the team at Abu Dhabi Airports for challenging the traditional conventions of the airport / retailer relationship. This really gives us the best opportunity to create an iconic Duty Free offering and ultimately convert many more passengers to customers," said MacGowan.
"Lagardère Capital, a Joint Venture between Abu Dhabi Capital Group, an Abu Dhabi based Investment Company, and Lagardère Travel Retail, a global travel retail leader, is honored to have been selected by Abu Dhabi Airports as a core Duty Freeoperator at the Midfield Terminal Building in Abu Dhabi" said JassimAlseddiqi, Board Member of Abu Dhabi Capital Group. "We have created a bespoke Duty Free vision for Abu Dhabi airports: "Bringing Abu Dhabi to the World". Our mission will be to enable passengers using the Midfield Terminal Buildingto discover the essence of Abu Dhabi, experiencing the combination of a rich heritage and an exciting modern future throughout our world-class Duty Free retail proposition."
Dag Rasmussen, Chairman and CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail stated: "Lagardère Capital is extremely grateful to be awarded the Midfield Terminal BuildingDuty Free concession and is looking forward to creating the ultimate Duty Free experience for passengers. We have created for Abu Dhabi an innovative concept with the ambition to create a multi-sensory shopping experience that is an extraordinary fusion of iconic brands entertainment, technology and culture,with a unique Abu Dhabi touch. We are confident that the Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal stores will no doubt setnew benchmarks for the industry."
The MTB is the iconic new terminal under construction at Abu Dhabi International Airport that will increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 45 million passengers per year. It will feature a total of 28,000 square meters of Duty Free space, comprising of 18,000 square meters of retail and 10,000 square meters for food & beverage outlets.
About Abu Dhabi Airports
Abu Dhabi Airports is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive business aviation airport), as well as Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travelers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi's development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.
Currently under way is the multi-billion dollar re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 45 million passengers per year. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed.
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Web sites: www.adac.ae, www.abudhabiairport.ae
Press Office:
Phone Number: 02 505 3304
E-mail: press@adac.ae
Layla Haroon
P.O. Box: 77765, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Mob: +971 55 636 0425
E-mail: lharoon@bell-pottinger.com
© Press Release 2015
