The expanded World Duty Free store forms part of the latest phase of the Aberdeen Airport Terminal Transformational project.

Aberdeen International Airport today (19 June) opened an expanded World Duty Free store as part of the latest phase of the multi-million pound Terminal Transformation project.

Phase two, which includes an upgraded security search area also saw the opening of other retail facilities including new WH Smith, Rolling Luggage and WH Smith bookstore outlets.

Phase Three will open in three stages over the course of the next 15 months, with the entire transformation scheduled for completion by the end of August 2019.

The airport has undergone significant improvements in the last 12 months, opening new international and domestic reclaim arrival areas and its award-winning Northern Lights Executive lounge.

A new Northern Lights themed ‘decompression’ zone has been created between the security search area and World Duty Free store to provide passengers with a calm environment to repack their belongings before proceeding to the departure lounge.

Commenting on the new World Duty Free store, Fred Creighton, Dufry Divisional CEO UK and Central Europe said: “With this new store development we have taken the airport shopping experience to an entirely new level for visitors to Aberdeen Airport.

NEW BRANDS

“The store is more than twice the size of our previous one and we have been able to introduce a host of exciting new beauty brands including Urban Decay and By Terry and extend our sunglasses range, with the addition of brands such as Armani, Hugo Boss, Polaroid and Bloc.

“A highlight is our World of Whiskies shop situated within the new store, where customers will discover iconic local brands such as Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Old Pulteney, Macallan, Highland Park and Bowmore.

“Different drams can be sampled at the tasting-bar and we have introduced interactive technology that enables customers to access more information about their favourite brands and even print bespoke, personalised labels for some of the brands we offer. We look forward to welcoming customers to this exciting new store.”

The World of Whiskies shop is a highlight of the expanded World Duty Free outlet.

The updated security search area is equipped with the latest screening technology, allowing passengers to move quicker through the airport quicker and improving the customer experience. The security zone is more than double the size of the previous area and can facilitate a greater number of passengers at one time.

It has also been relocated to pave the way for the third and final phase of the project which will see the departure lounge expanded and further new retail and catering outlets introduced.

Carol Benzie, Managing Director, Aberdeen International Airport said: “We are absolutely thrilled to open our new security area and the first set of new retail units that will form part of our expanded departure lounge.

FINAL PHASE

“We are confident that the upgraded facilities will have a really positive impact on the passenger experience.  Preparatory work has already started on the third and final phase of the Terminal Transformation.

“This last stage is the most complex, as it is in the heart of the terminal, with passengers transiting around the construction.  We ask our regular passengers to bear with us as we move into this final exciting part of the transformation.

Derek Mackay, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution, who visited the airport today (19 June) commented: “My congratulations to Aberdeen International Airport for having the vision and drive to invest in these facilities for the benefit of all passengers. The investment is clear evidence that the airport, Aberdeen and the North East have renewed confidence moving forwards.

“The changes will streamline the security process so people can move through the airport quicker and the new retail facilities will improve the experience further. Investing in this way will encourage more people to use the airport, providing an even stronger basis for attracting new routes in the future.”

Various new brands across the beauty, sunglasses have been introduced.