 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Traffic levels may be modest but the industry’s biggest names have expressed interest in the Wellington opportunity |
NEW ZEALAND. Wellington International Airport says it has attracted an encouraging response to its recent Expression of Interest for Duty Free at the capital city’s gateway.
As previously reported the privately-owned airport company is seeking expressions of interest for a two-stage proposal as follows:
• Stage 1: From early to mid 2007, to 30 June 2009. The new duty free operator will trade alongside the existing operator [Duty Free Stores New Zealand] from temporary premises.
• Stage 2: From 30 June 2009 to June 2014, in enlarged store premises, when the appointee will become the exclusive duty free operator at the airport.
Manager, Retail and Development Katy Ellis told The Moodie Report today that response had been “excellent”, adding: “We have since issued tender documents to the interested parties, with the deadline for submission October 14th. The following companies are involved at this stage: Duty Free Stores New Zealand, Nuance, DFS, King Power (Hong Kong), JR Duty Free, Aelia and Australian Way.”
That’s a strong line-up of Asia Pacific’s main players, France’s ambitious Aelia and JR Duty Free, owned by James Richardson, until 1995 a powerhouse of Australian duty free. The company formally confirmed via The Moodie Report earlier this week its intention to re-enter the Australasian duty free market, first off-airport in Australia followed by airport opportunities that arise.
Ellis said the company hopes to announce the successful bidder at the beginning of next year.
About Wellington International Airport
Wellington International Airport is located centrally in New Zealand at the southern tip of the North Island. The city is New Zealand’s capital and political centre. The airport services customers from the southern half of the North Island, as well as from the northern part of the South Island.
In the year to March 2005, the airport handled over 4.6 million passengers, with nearly 600,000 of these being international, predominantly on Australian and Pacific Island routes. An estimated additional 2.6 million farewellers and meeters and greeters used the terminal in the same period.
Total passenger numbers have grown every year since 1999 and international passenger numbers have grown by +28% in the year to March 2005. International travel is to Australian and Pacific Island destinations. Air NZ, Qantas, Pacific Blue, Freedom Air, Polynesian Airlines and Air Pacific serve the airport.
MORE STORIES ON WELLINGTON AIRPORT
Duty Free Stores New Zealand “baffled” by Wellington Airport decision – 13/05/05
Wellington duty free retailer wins Adelaide concession – 05/05/05
Wellington International Airport issues Expressions of Interest for duty free operation – 03/05/05
