Finavia is requesting information from potential retail partners who might be interested in new opportunities for fashion, lifestyle and other retail outlets at Helsinki Airport as the hub airport nears the end of a €1bn development project.

 

“The previous 18 months have for sure been challenging, but now we are finally opening up and experiencing the growth of travel again,” Nora Immonen, VP Director of Commercial Services, Finavia told TRBusiness.

 

“We are currently expanding our airport and the next stage of the development program has a big milestone on 1 December 2021 when we open the new arrivals and departures hall. After this we will expand our airside and in there we will finally have new premises available for new retail and services.”

 

As reported, Finavia will unveil ‘the largest development project in Finavia’s history’ at Helsinki Airport on 1 December.

 

“Finavia is looking for retail operators with inspiring concepts to be part of building the future of Helsinki Airport and to create value for our flight passengers,” said the airport.

 

“Exciting commercial opportunities for fashion, lifestyle and retail operators are up ahead, as Helsinki Airport’s significant and massive development programme is nearly complete. Discussions with retail operators and brands on new retail premises are starting now.”

 

DEMAND FOR SUSTAINABLE RETAILING

Helsinki Airport said it offers a ‘front-row-seat in travel retail’ and presents a great opportunity to reach international clientele for operators, whose concept includes elements such as strong brand philosophy, high service quality, multi-sensory in-store experience and/or sustainable retailing.

 

“In addition to a vibrant, international hub, Helsinki Airport offers a unique sense of place, where brands – big and small, international and local – have the opportunity to come together and operate successfully,” it added.

 

Helsinki Airport has undergone a massive redevelopment in recent years in a bid to boot its position as the preferred transit hub for passengers travelling between Asia and Europe.

 

INCREASE IN PASSENGER CAPACITY AND TERMINAL EXPANSION

In doing so, Finavia will eventually increase passenger capacity to 30 million and the terminal will be expanded by 103,00sq m.

Registration for interest and a short, free-form description about brand, brand philosophy, concept and/or operations are to be sent via email with a title: ‘RFI – Retail premises at Helsinki Airport’ to [email protected] by 8 of October 2021 at 13:00 (Helsinki time).

 

“Based on the free-form specifications/descriptions, Finavia may contact and invite selected potential operators to join in a live discussion to go over their replies regarding concept and product portfolios,” said Finavia.

 

“Discussions will be conducted in English or Finnish by online call system (Microsoft Teams or similar) or on-site at Helsinki Airport depending on the covid-19 situation.”