HUNGARY. A Gebr. Heinemann-led venture has captured the Retailer of the Year accolade at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport’s Annual Awards Gala. The accolade was given to Magyar Duty-Free, which operates several Heinemann stores at the airport including one in the SkyCourt central commercial area.
Staged for the time since 2020 after a hiatus for the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards – which attracted nearly 300 guests – recognise those who continue to actively work in shaping the future of aviation and retail within the airport.
Heinemann/Magyar Duty-Free Executive Director Ildikó Jankovich commented: “We have continued to evolve and advance at Budapest Airport throughout our flourishing 23-year partnership.
“Respecting the individual needs of the passenger has never been so paramount since the lifting of travel restrictions and it’s a great pleasure that our adaptability and consideration of the traveller’s requirements has been recognised with this award.”
Among the airline award winners were SunExpress (Highest Load Factor), Ryanair (Largest Operating), flydubai (Best Newcomer) and Qatar Airways (Best Marketing).
In his speech at the awards ceremony, Budapest Airport CEO Chris Dinsdale emphasised that the key to the airport’s success is close, efficient and quality-based cooperation with its partner companies.
He said: “Quality and a great passenger experience are essential for us. Our task is not just to get our passengers from the airport entrance to the door of the aircraft in a safe and secure manner, but, importantly, the question is also what their experience has been until they board the aircraft.
“The travel experience starts long before a passenger arrives at the airport, and all of our partner companies have a great role to play in the experiences, memories and impressions that our passengers have while they are travelling or using our services.”
He added: “The coming years will be all about quality, growth, and capacity, as well as sustainability at the airport. However, this quartet must be in balance with each other to fulfil Budapest Airport’s objectives and vision for the future.
“Growth and further quality improvements are not possible without capacity development, which in turn must be consistent with our long-term sustainability ambitions.”
The full list of award winners appears below (click to enlarge).
