AUSTRALIA. SkyBuys has partnered with Heinemann Australia to launch its duty free app platform at Sydney Airport.
Travellers flying in or out of the airport can now use the SkyBuys app to shop for duty free products at any stage of their journey, including before they travel or arrive at the airport.
The app can also be used on airline services on which inflight wireless is offered, which SkyBuys said would allow passengers to “forego the limited offerings of the airline trolley and buy an extensive range of duty free from the airport instead”.
The app was trialled at Sydney Airport earlier this year. SkyBuys says it will roll out the service to other airports later this year.
The SkyBuys app is available on both the App Store and from Google Play, and allows international passengers to search and shop for duty free items and offers at their convenience. Users of the app can avoid queues and ensure items they are looking for are available, SkyBuys said.
SkyBuys Founder and CEO Alec Kemmery said: “Whilst we designed and accelerated the concept in Europe, it is very rewarding for us to launch SkyBuys at our home port in Sydney. To do this with one of duty free’s global leaders in Heinemann makes it even more exciting for us.”
Heinemann Australia said the use of SkyBuys was part of a wider commitment by the group to test new ideas. The company stated: “Sydney Airport is a flagship for us, and SkyBuys is one of the many innovations we have introduced in the way we service the duty free and travel retail market here since 2014, ensuring we delight international travellers with unrivalled offers and value.”
Heinemann operates 10,000sq m of retail space at the airport, including seven duty free areas. The company said SkyBuys would influence travellers’ awareness of the benefits of purchasing duty free in the arrivals area at the airport, not just at departures.
