Industry

Published on February 27th, 2022 | by Mark Dwyer

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Aer Rianta International Partners with Aeroportos de Portugal

Aer Rianta International (ARI), a subsidiary of daa and the first company to operate duty-free shops in the world, has been chosen as the partner of choice by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal (ANA), from VINCI Airports group, to form a joint venture company to operate their portfolio of duty-free and duty-paid retail concessions in Portugal.

From June 1st, 2022, the contract covers 8 airport locations in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira Islands (Madeira and Porto Santo) and Azores Islands (Ponta Delgada, Sta Maria, Horta).

The concession scope incorporates over 34 commercial spaces, including duty free main shops, satellite stores, and fashion/beauty stores, with a total area approximately of 9`500 sqm, which the new joint venture will manage for a period of 7 years.

Thierry Ligonnière, ANA’s Chief Executive Officer: “We were looking for a business partner with a proven track record in the travel retail industry and with a strong alignment with VINCI Airports priorities on passenger experience, sense of place and innovation. We are excited to initiate this new partnership with ARI and to deploy a unique shopping environment with two key values: authenticity and sustainability. We are convinced that authentic retail experiences, inspired by the uniqueness of the region of the airports, blending local tastes and flavours with a wide-range of international products, and keeping our focus on environmental protection at our operations, will contribute to the best of journeys for our passengers.”

Commenting on the announcement, ARI’s Chief Executive Officer, Ray Hernan said: “We are absolutely delighted to be selected as ANA’s preferred joint venture partner. Announcing such a significant win as we emerge from a global pandemic is testament to the commitment and skills of the entire ARI team. With over 70 years of experience in global travel retail, we look forward to bringing our world class service and extensive brand range to Portugal. Together with the ANA team we will deliver an exceptional tailor-made offering across all locations.”

Commenting on the store offering, ARI’s Chief Operations and Business Development Officer, Nuno Amaral said: “I am beyond proud that ARI has been successful in the bid to work with the team at ANA and operate the duty-free concessions throughout my home country of Portugal. We knew early in the pitch process that ARI’s vision, ambition and experience in travel retail perfectly complements ANA’s innovation and service throughout their airports. We are convinced that ARI’s strong partnership ethos with joint venture partners, brands, and other key stakeholders will lead to the development of a great retail proposition in Portugal.”

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About the Author

Mark is an airline pilot flying the Boeing 737 for a major European airline. In addition he is also a Type Rating Instructor, Type Rating Examiner and Base Training Captain on the B737. Outside of commercial flying Mark enjoys flying light aircraft from the smallest 3 Axis microlights up to heavier singles. He is also an instructor and EASA Examiner on single engines and a UK CAA Examiner. He flies the Chipmunk for the Irish Historic Flight Foundation (IHFF). Mark became the Chairman of the National Microlight Association of Ireland (NMAI) in 2013 and has overseen a massive growth in the organisation. In this role he has worked at local and national levels. In 2015, Mark won ‘Upcoming Aviation Professional Award’ at the Aviation Industry Awards sponsored by the IAA. Mark launched this website back in 2002 while always managing the website, he has also been Editor and Deputy Editor of FlyingInIreland Magazine from 2005 to 2015.



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