Aer Rianta International has confirmed that ARI Yunnan in south-west China has ceased duty paid operations at Kunming International Airport from September 10.

 

In a brief statement, ARI CEO Jack MacGowan said: “We are pleased that ARI Yunnan has reached this constructive and amicable agreement with Yunnan Airports Group in the best interests of both parties and look forward to potential opportunities for working together again.

 

“I wish to thank our colleagues in ARI Yunnan for their professionalism and commitment in Kunming over the past two years,” he concluded.

 

ARI originally opened 11 domestic shops at what was Kunming’s newly-built Changshui International Airport in south-west China which succeeded Wujiaba Airport.

 

 

 

 

CONTRACT SECURED BACK IN 2011

The development was seen as an important one at the time for ARI, marking its first Mainland China airport store openings where it held exclusive rights to sell duty paid fashion goods and accessories, perfume and cosmetics, confectionery, jewellery and souvenirs at the capital city airport in Yunnan Province.

 

The shops were to occupy more than 650sq m of retail space in the post passenger security area in the walkway to the airline gates, with the operator opting to install its Irish retail travel brand, The Loop in the location.

 

The retailer’s shops employed more than ninety local people led by a small Irish management team.

 

ARI originally secured the Kunming retail contract in 2011 following the signing the previous year of a Strategic Collaboration Agreement between Yunnan Airports Group, owners of Kunming Changshui International Airport and the DAA.

 

[The background to ARI’s entry into Kunming was originally reported here: http://www.trbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11574:ari-opens-11-duty-paid-stores-in-kunming&catid=3:asia&Itemid=11].