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“Today we want to thank some of the partners who have helped us grow…today we will sign a new five-year extension with DFS“ |
Mohammed Al Bulooki Chief Commercial Officer Abu Dhabi Airports Company |
UAE. Abu Dhabi Airports Company has today extended its retail contract with DFS Group to operate and manage Abu Dhabi Duty Free at Abu Dhabi International Airport for a further five years. The announcement from ADAC Chief Commercial Officer Mohammed Al Bulooki provided a thrilling start to the Trinity Forum 2013, taking place in Abu Dhabi this week.
Commenting on the extension, Al Bulooki said: “Our plan for Abu Dhabi’s growth is well thought out to sustain today’s growth. And today we want to thank some of the people who have helped us grow.”
In other crucial news, Al Bulooki revealed the timeframe for commercial tenders at the eagerly anticipated Midfield Terminal at the airport. The first commercial tenders for the ambitious new terminal will be released in Q1 2014.
Al Bulooki said: “We are tendering as early as possible to make sure we get it right – the right mix of retailers, of brands and of services.”
The companies also today revealed that sales at Abu Dhabi Duty Free hit US$220 million in 2012. They added that 2013 is expected to be another record year, with new brands set to join existing retail partners at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
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H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of ADAC and Philippe Schaus, Chairman and CEO of DFS, signing the agreement at the Trinity Forum hosted by ADAC in Yas Viceroy Hotel |
ADAC Chairman H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori said: “DFS has been a partner of ADAC since 2008 and throughout those five years, they have been driving the commercial offer at Abu Dhabi Duty Free, enabling it to register double digit growth in sales revenue year upon year.
“Extending this partnership for another five years will allow both parties to explore further new opportunities as the capital’s airport continue to record a substantial increase in passenger traffic annually.”
DFS Group CEO Philippe Schaus added: “We are very pleased to continue our relationship with ADAC. It has been a privilege to be a part of the team, led by ADAC, which is constantly redefining the standards of excellence in Abu Dhabi Airport.
“We will continue to strengthen our product and service offerings and we look forward to further enhancing the world class travel retail experience in Abu Dhabi in the future.”
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Mohammed Al Bulooki, Chief Commercial Officer of ADAC, H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of ADAC, Philippe Schaus, Chairman and CEO of DFS and Michael Schriver, Chief Operating Officer of DFS Group during the signing agreement ceremony |
ADAC also revealed retail revenues at its five airports reached AED809.5 million (US$220.4 million) in 2012, up +24% on the previous year and setting a new record for the company.
It added that figures reflected an increase in both spend per passenger and average transaction value, attributing them to the “attractive combination of the retail mix, a variety of luxury brands and the promotional campaigns of the retail operators”. In 2012, passenger numbers at Abu Dhabi International grew by +18.9%, with14.7 million travellers passing through the airport.
Projects set to be completed at the airport in 2013 are the opening of a new Armani boutique and doubling the size of the Burberry boutique, which will include the addition of ready to wear in T3. These new projects will further increase the breadth of the airport’s retail offer for its passengers, said ADAC.
