First half sales at Abu Dhabi Duty Free jumped by +29.1% to AED 380.2 million (US$103.5m), ahead of a traffic increase of +22.8% to just over seven million in the same period. For the full year, ADDF is forecasting sales of over AED770 million ($210 million).

 

In Q1, sales grew by +32% against a passenger traffic rise of +21% suggesting that spending per passenger has slowed slightly in Q2. Overall spend per head in the first half was AED53.90 whereas in Q1 it was higher at AED58.80.

 

Nevertheless, according to government-owned Abu Dhabi Airports Company which operates Abu Dhabi International Airport, the second quarter was “record breaking” in terms of absolute sales and the operator notes that the spend per passenger has grown by +8.3 % in the first six months of 2012 compared to 2011 “and remains one of the highest in the region”.

 

ADAC Chief Commercial Officer, Mohammed Al Bulooki (left), says: “ADDF continues to focus on providing value for money across its business, as well as a comprehensive product range to meet all customers’ expectations. Abu Dhabi Duty Free is launching exclusive products, specifically within perfume and cosmetics, and these are really paying dividends in revenue growth and customer satisfaction.”

 

CONSUMER FOCUS

According to Al Bulooki, Abu Dhabi International Airport is the only gateway in in the Middle East to get four stars in Skytrax’s airport quality audits. “It is critical that ADDF continue to provide a retail offering that exceeds expectations,” he adds.

 

The +29.1% growth in H1 was across the business says ADAC: from gold, managed by Pure Gold; Cigars, managed by Bin Mahmoud; and Relay; to the luxury category, with Burberry, Hermès and Bulgari all performing strongly.

 

Above: Luxury brands are doing well at ADDF in the first half of 2012

 

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) operates and manages five airports: of Abu Dhabi International Al Ain International Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive private aviation airport), and Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island airports.

 

Currently Abu Dhabi International is being redeveloped to increase its overall capacity to more than 30 million passengers per year. As part of this expansion a second runway and a third terminal have been completed.