Airport operator Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) has awarded incumbent Bahrain Duty Free Company (BDFC) the core category duty free and retail contracts at Bahrain International Airport (BIA).

Under the terms of the 15 and 10-year agreements, awarded on the final day of this year’s Bahrain International Airshow, BDFC will invest in various retail outlets in the departures duty free area of the new Passenger Terminal Building due to open next year.

The 10-year agreement for the operation of retail outlets in the duty free area will see leading brands offer a wide selection of products ranging from fashion and accessories to travel bags, eyewear, toys, electronics and jewellery.

CONTRACT SIGNING

It was signed by His Excellency the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chairman, Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed and BDFC Managing Director Abdullah Buhindi. BAC Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, BDFC General Manager, Bassam Al Wardi and other officials from both companies were also in attendance.

Al Binfalah and Al Wardi also represented their respective companies for the signing of the 15-year core category duty free agreement. This covers liquor, tobacco and perfume and cosmetics among others.

Ahmed Mohammed said: “We are very pleased to partner with BDFC and look forward to working together in the coming months to improve the duty free shopping experience. By increasing its investment in BIA’s duty free offerings, BDFC is supporting local businesses and helping to ensure that the aviation sector becomes a key driver for growth in commerce and retail.

NEW PASSENGER TERMINAL

“We are confident that passengers travelling through the new terminal will discover a truly transformed shopping experience.”

Buhindi added: “We are delighted to sign these agreements with Bahrain Airport Company, which will enhance the relationship between our companies and improve the duty free offerings at BIA. We are especially proud to sign the agreement for the operation of core duty free categories.

“Our 27 years of expertise in this area will help ensure travellers at the new Passenger Terminal Building enjoy a first class duty free experience.”

Aer Rianta International Middle East (ARIME), which runs the Bahrain Duty Free operation is eagerly anticipating the start of operations in the new Passenger Terminal Building. Speaking recently to TRBusiness, ARIME CEO Nuno Amaral said: “We are working with brands and partners to develop the space and will be investing substantially over the next 12 months in Bahrain.”

The signing of these agreements is another positive development for Bahrain Duty Free Company, which announced first-half net profit of $12.3m in August, an increase of +28.3% on the same period last year.