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The T3 celebrations have included a car draw conducted by Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths (right) along with Dubai Duty Free Deputy Managing Director George Horan (centre) and Manager – Events, Advertising & Media Sinead El Sibai |
UAE. Dubai Duty Free is marking the first anniversary of the opening of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 with a series of discount offers, giveaways and competitions. The terminal opened on 14 October last year; this week the company is taking part in a three-day celebration that will involve thousands of passengers and aviation staff.
Dubai International Emirates Terminal 3 was opened in four phases to ensure a smooth operational transition and the convenience and comfort of customers in October last year.
HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman of Dubai Airports, said: “The growth and development of Dubai city and its airport are closely linked. Emirates Terminal 3 has played a central role in supporting Dubai’s economic progress, and has bolstered the city’s image as an emerging global aviation hub. It is something the aviation community, the city and the Emirate can be proud of.”
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Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths addresses staff at the T3 first anniversary celebration |
“Emirates Terminal 3’s unmitigated success has given it iconic status in the industry. It has clearly become a symbol of Dubai’s aviation success story,” added Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths. “The next phase of its development, Concourse 3, will build on that reputation by offering the world’s first dedicated A380 airside facility when it is completed at the end of 2012.”
Dubai Duty Free, which operates 8,000sq m of retail space in T3, has noted that 55% of its total business is derived from T3 passengers. The operation, which reported sales of US$1.1 billion in 2008 – making it the largest single duty free operation in the world, is expecting to end this year with a +4% increase in sales.
“We are delighted with the duty free operation in T3 as it has added a whole new dimension to our retail offer at Dubai International. The feedback from our customers has been very positive over the past year and we will continue to look at ways to enhance the overall retail experience,” said Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Colm McLoughlin.
During its first year of operations Emirates Terminal 3 has handled more than 96,000 flight departures and arrivals and over 16.1 million passengers. Some 1.32 million of them have enjoyed the variety of facilities available through Marhaba services and Emirates First and Business Class Lounges. More than 18.7 million pieces of luggage have been processed by the baggage system, which is one of the longest and deepest of underground systems in the world.
Terminal 3 was designed by leading French architect Paul Andreu, and its elegantly curved steel and glass façade and its bright interiors set new standards in airport design, said Dubai Airports. The underground terminal is located beneath the taxiways and aprons, effectively bringing it closer to the boarding gates. The recent opening of the Emirates Terminal 3 Metro station also makes it more easily accessible from the city.
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Paul Griffiths marks the anniversary with the Dubai Airports team |
Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Services Mohammed Mattar noted: “Terminal 3 has become an intrinsic part of Emirates’ operations. As an international airline connecting passengers from six continents, a significant part of the travel experience we offer our customers is the journey through our hub in Dubai. Emirates Terminal 3’s opening provided much-needed space for our growing operations. It also meant that we could expand and enhance our Airport Services and lounge product.
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