US. Miami inflight concessionaire Duty Free World has just signed a contract with low-cost carrier Skybus Airlines to begin a pioneering domestic inflight travel retail programme.
Skybus is scheduled to begin service on 22 May from its Columbus, Ohio headquarters, and will initially serve eight markets nationwide.
Inflight sales are a key component of Skybus’ business model. Skybus flight attendants are being specially trained in sales techniques to allow them to maximise commercial revenues.
Skybus will initially provide non-stop service to and from Columbus to the Los Angeles area through Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California; the Boston area through Portsmouth (New Hampshire) International Airport; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Kansas City; the Seattle/Vancouver area through Bellingham (Washington) International Airport; Richmond, Virginia; Greensboro, North Carolina and the San Francisco Bay area through Oakland International Airport.
Skybus will add destinations throughout the year as it adds leased aircraft to its fleet of full-size Airbus A319 jets. The airline has ordered 65 new A319s from Airbus, with delivery scheduled to begin in 2008.
“We have chosen to go with Duty Free World because they are good for the Skybus business model,” said Chase Cunningham, Director of Ancillary Sales for Skybus. “They simplify and streamline the process for us as far as sourcing and product delivery, all in a timely manner. Duty Free has a track record with United, USAirways, Skyservice, Maxjet and many other reputable carriers and has demonstrated its ability to increase ancillary revenue.
“This fits well with Skybus and gives us a wide variety of products to offer for sale onboard”¦ more than any other domestic carrier. Duty Free World will supply us with a broad range of fragrances, children’s items and other travel retail products.”
Duty Free World Chief Operating Officer and Vice President Leylani Cardoso said: “We are eager to bring the European concept of travel retail to the US. There is a currently a huge void onboard most domestic flights and in a world where everyone is looking to maximize their time, it’s an incredible opportunity for everyone to walk away with something extra.
“The inflight programme will include all of the prestigious brands customers typically find on international routes”
Duty Free World is one of the industry’s most experienced inflight concessionaires. It serves an array of airlines worldwide including United, USAirways, Skyservice, Tame, Maxjet, America West, Varig, Santa Barbara, Aeropostal, Icaro, Aerogal, Iberia, Aircomet and Futura.
MORE STORIES ON DUTY FREE WORLD
Duty Free World extends European base with Aircomet inflight concession – 30/04/07
Coup for Mayra del Valle as Duty Free World secures Iberia inflight contract – 21/03/07
Duty Free World lands onboard contract with Ryan International Airlines – 06/10/06
Judi Bishop takes retirement from inflight duty free as she leaves Duty Free World – 13/07/06
