The appointment represents a significant commercial milestone for the airport.

Lagardère AWPL has secured two contracts to become Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport’s (WSI) duty free and travel essentials operator, under a new 10-year agreement.

The appointment represents a significant milestone for the airport, as it prepares to begin cargo operations by the end of July, followed by domestic and international passenger services in late October.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lagardère AWPL will deliver around 3,100sq m of retail space across 11 outlets. There will be around 1,900sq m for duty free, in addition to 1,200sq m for travel essentials and specialty retail, spanning both the international and domestic estate.

The retail programme is expected to combine established global brands and travel exclusive products, alongside a ‘best of the west’ concept that will showcase the regional identity of Western Sydney.

WSI CEO Simon Hickey commented: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome a retailer of Lagardère AWPL’s calibre to Western Sydney International Airport. Their commitment is a strong vote of confidence in what we’re building here, a game-changing 24-hour airport that reflects and celebrates the community it serves.

“Most of us love a good browse through duty free, where travellers are often looking for a great deal on some of their favourite premium products, and then there’s the inevitable dash for an essential item that you perhaps forgot to pack for your travels. Rest assured, we’ll have a terrific retailer to support those last-minute needs for a stress-free journey.”

Pictured left to right: WSI Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey; Lagardère CEO Frédéric Chevalier; Lagardère CFO & Regional COO Luc Mansion; WSI Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Alison Webster.

Lagardère Travel Retail CEO Frédéric Chevalier noted: “Lagardère AWPL is thrilled to have been chosen to operate duty free and travel essentials at this stunning new gateway to Australia. We’re grateful to WSI for their trust and for the opportunity to create a truly unique retail experience for travellers to Western Sydney.”

Lagardère AWPL CEO Costa Kouros added: “Our aim has always been to create magical moments for everyone, every day, and this partnership gives us the chance to deliver that from the very first passenger experience in a beautiful new airport.

“Our retail offer will be a showcase not only for the biggest international brands, but also for the best of Australia and New South Wales. We look forward to playing our part in bringing WSI to life by creating a destination that reflects and celebrates the diverse community that is Western Sydney.”

WSI Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Alison Webster said the selection process had prioritised delivering a delivering a retail offer tailored to customer needs, while ensuring value for money. She concluded: “In Lagardère AWPL we have secured a partner that truly understands our vision to provide a world-class retail experience that also reflects the local character of Western Sydney.”

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