Lagardère AWPL has strengthened its partnership with Brisbane Airport (BNE) after winning a competitive tender to operate the international travel essentials contract.

As reported, BNE issued a request for proposal last year inviting operators to bid for more than 32 opportunities in the International Terminal spanning F&B, travel essentials, speciality retail and foreign exchange.

Five refreshed Relay concepts will greet travellers over three levels, the airport confirmed in a statement.

The traditional news, books and convenience platform will evolve with a grab & go range, premium travel accessories and technology, a sugar confectionery bar, and a range of health and wellbeing brands, added the airport.

‘Setting new standards’

The new travel essentials sites, which form part of the International Terminal retail upgrade programme dovetailing with the the AUD$5 billion/US$3.3 billion ‘Future BNE’ transformation, will be complemented by a refreshed mix of specialty retail, F&B and an enlarged duty free store.

“Our goal during the International Terminal RFP process was to bring the best of the world to Brisbane and showcase the best of Brisbane to the world,” said Toby Innes, Head of Commercial Property Development, Brisbane Airport.

“By collaborating with an innovative and creative partner like Lagardère AWPL, we are confident we can create a retail experience that sets a new standard of excellence as we reimagine the customer experience at Brisbane Airport.”

Brisbane Airport has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Lagardère AWPL over more than 25 years.

Announcements regarding other new partners, plus an assortment of new food and beverage options, are due soon.

Lagardère AWPL operates multiple shops, including Lego, Tech2Go, Bellissimo Coffee, Bound, Trader & Co., News@BNE, Xpress@BNE, Australian Way and Merino Collection, across Brisbane Airport’s Domestic and International Terminals.

Scooping the travel essentials business at BNE is the latest in a spate of airport concession victories for Lagardère AWPL in Australasia at the likes of Perth, Auckland, Wellington and Sydney.