Aer Rianta International North America (ARINA) plans a number of new shop openings and upgrades at its Canadian airport operations in Halifax, Ottawa and Winnipeg.

In Ottawa, the operator is relocating its store to a more central location within the international passenger building in July of this year. ARI North America General Manager Philip Eckles said: ‘The location at the moment is a bit remote and away from the main passenger dwelling location. So it will be in a more prominent position. We will be increasing the space by about 30% to 125sq m, and we will be able to increase the ranges that we have on offer for the passengers by having a better location.’
ARI also plans to open a Runway duty paid shop as well. This will be a mid-to high-end gift store selling jewellery watches, ties, scarves, belts and small leather accessories.
Passenger growth in Ottawa was up 9% in 2005 with both domestic and international standing at 3.7m.
Meanwhile, at Halifax International, the airport authority is continuing to development the airport building. Later this year ARINA will be constructing a new 85sq m trans-border store in Halifax.
In Winnipeg there are also plans to build a new airport terminal, which will be coming on-line within the next two years.