Setur Duty Free begun operating its brand-new duty free and duty paid operations this month at Cologne-Bonn Airport in Germany.

As reported, the Koç Group company secured a seven-and-a-half year concession in November covering around 1,500sq m of commercial space across two terminals.

In Terminal 1, Setur runs a 900sq m shopping space and is due to unveil further sales areas in Terminal 2 as part of a phased opening.

Travellers to the shop will be greeted by digital shopping opportunities and an architectural design that focuses on customer experience, a statement read.

Ahmet Sönmez, CEO, Setur Duty Free said: “Setur Duty Free, a pioneer and the most widespread duty free company in Turkey, has successfully completed the tender process and launched its first investment abroad as of June 1, 2023.

‘New era’ for Setur

“Our company has entered a new era. Our approach combining sustainability and digitalisation brought us to the fore during the tender process. In addition to this approach that will contribute to Cologne-Bonn Airport’s goal of being climate neutral by 2050, we have also integrated digital applications in our sales areas, which will bring convenience to our guests from all over the world.

“With the strength we derive from our goal to make a difference at Cologne-Bonn Airport, we will continue to follow up closely new opportunities worldwide and turn Setur Duty Free to a global player.”

Thilo Schmid, President and CEO of Cologne-Bonn Airport, added: “The newly designed duty free area is an absolute highlight in the terminal and another milestone on our way to further improving the travel experience and the welcoming qualities in the terminals for our guests. We are delighted that in Setur we have found an international partner which has implemented this innovative concept excellently with our team.”

Cologne-Bonn Airport CFO Torsten Schrank added: “We are proud of the fact that Setur decided on Cologne-Bonn as its first European location. The opening of the new shop areas signal the start of our new welcoming concept in the terminals and fits perfectly into our ideas of a modern shopping experience.”

Setur Duty Free operates 53 stores in 22 locations at airports, land borders and seaports.