 |
The stunning new terminal will redefine the travel experience at Montevideo Carrasco International Airport |
 |
“We have high expectations for the level of sales that can be achieved, so it’s now a case of seeing how the public react.“ |
Diego Arrosa CEO Duty Free Uruguay |
URUGUAY. Uruguay now has a world-class airport. The new terminal at Montevideo Carrasco International Airport opened for business at 22.15 pm on 29 December local time, with the landing of a Copa Airlines flight from Panama City.
Built at a cost of US$165 million, the terminal has capacity for 3 million passengers annually. It features stunning walkthrough stores developed by Duty Free Uruguay, with Arrivals and Departures each occupying 1,250sq m.
The opening comes almost three months after the official inauguration by President Tabaré Vasquez. Since then the airport authority had set dates of 15 November and 9 December for the operational take-off, but rescheduled to ensure full functioning of security and baggage screening.
Initial plans had been to launch the Rafael Viñoly designed terminal in mid-2009.
Speaking to The Moodie Report, Duty Free Uruguay CEO Diego Arrosa said that the company received the authorisation to operate in the new terminal at 17.00 on 28 December, leaving just over 24 hours to finalise preparations.
“Everything is ready in the stores. Our team is very well prepared and excited to get underway,” Arrosa said.
“We have high expectations for the level of sales that can be achieved, so it’s now a case of seeing how the public react.”
The opening comes after the busy pre-Christmas period, during which passenger numbers were buoyant, up +7% on the previous year. In the period from 1 December to 24 December, Duty Free Uruguay notched an impressive +35% increase in sales compared to the same period in 2008.
The new terminal promises to create still stronger growth in revenues in 2010.
MORE STORIES ON URUGUAY
New Montevideo terminal set to open as Duty Free Uruguay finalises ambitious retail offer – 17/11/09
Armani Group steps up the pace of airport openings – 12/10/09
Montevideo Carrasco Airport set to enter “world class” league with new terminal – 06/03/09
