Aelia Duty Free has opened its new duty free operation covering both arrivals and departures over a total of 1,000sq m of retail space in Cairns Airport’s International Terminal 1.

 

This follows the respective contract awards relating to 10-year duty free and specialty stores concessions, which were announced last November.

 

At that time Aelia/Lagardère Travel Retail agreed to take over the duty free business from JR/Duty Free (James Richardson) who originally won the last five-year duty free arrivals and departures concession business at the Australian airport back in November 2011.

 

‘A NEW BENCHMARK IN THE PACIFIC’

This original duty free contract included a five-year extension on the part of Cairns Airport, however JR/Duty Free gave notice it would take this up, so triggering last year’s RFP.

 

Commenting on this new development, CEO Matthieu Mercier said the opening has set a new benchmark in the Pacific. “We are delighted to be extending our duty free presence to this part of the Pacific region. Cairns Airport has been a valued partner of ours for 25 years and we are very pleased to expand on our enduring partnership.

 

“We will continue to work together to deliver outstanding customer service and develop our stores so every international passenger through Cairns Airport receives a world class experience.

 

 

“The level of detail in the preparation, organisation and coordination of this project has allowed an incredibly smooth transition for Aelia Duty Free to open and we are very excited to unveil Aelia Duty Free at Cairns Airport. We believe it can exceed the expectations of both the terminal and passengers”.

 

LAGARDERE TEAM ‘EXCEPTIONAL’

Cairns Airport General Manager Commercial, Fiona Ward added: “The Lagardère team were simply exceptional in their well-executed overnight transformation of the Duty Free stores to their Aelia brand. They brought in an army of over 100 people, including CEO Matthieu Mercier to move and unpack several thousand items of stock.

 

“I am confident Aelia Duty Free will introduce a high quality and broad ranging product offer that meets the demand for exceptional value and accessible indulgence presented by Cairns Airport’s unique customer mix.

 

“Our 10-year duty free agreement builds strongly on the existing relationship between our two companies, with Lagardère already operating 16 specialty stores and food and beverage outlets at Cairns Airport.”

 

Aelia Duty Free says it is committed to excellence and world firsts, as well as offering an extensive selection of the best liquor brands and it mentioned local and international offerings, including Bundaberg Rum, Hennessy, Bombay Sapphire, Martell and Hibiki to cater to the diverse passenger profile through Cairns Airport.

 

 

STAGE TWO STORE EVOLUTION IN THE PIPELINE

In addition, it says that Chanel, Dior, Estée Lauder and Jurlique make up part of an extensive range of luxury perfume and cosmetic brands, along with Tissot & Longines watches, well known tech brands Apple and Bose, Opals & Pearls, a selection of souvenirs from the local region, confectionery, Wellness and premium gifts.

 

There is also a dedicated website for what the company describes as ‘a first class on-line Aelia Duty Free shopping experience.

 

In addition, the retailer adds that it is also planning ‘a stage two store evolution’ towards the end of this year, with more news to come.

 

[For the earlier reference details covering Aelia winning the Cairns Airport contract last November, click here: https://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/asia-pacific/lagardere-wins-duty-free-and-specialty-retail-at-cairns/112190]