Corporación America Airports and Avolta have teamed up to operate a joint venture in Uruguay. Carrasco Airport image: Uruguay Airports

Airport operator Corporación America Airports and Avolta have established a duty free joint venture in Uruguay, a move set to “elevate” the airport retail experience.

The joint venture effectively sets up a master concessionaire in the country which spans the design, implementation and operation of duty free stores.

Corporación America Airports manages 53 airports across six countries, with Uruguay chosen as a “testing ground” to experiment with ideas and processes.

Should these be successful, new ways of working will be exported to other locations. 

Using a “data-driven” approach, the partnership aims to create seamless, personalised journeys for passengers.  

Beyond financial and service considerations, both Corporación America Airports and Avolta have committed to promoting sustainability. 

By collaborating, the businesses said they can amplify their influence and make a “more substantial contribution to sustainable practices”. 

Both Corporación America Airports and Avolta believe in operating within the “trinity” model of airports, retailers and brands.

In a statement, they said they recognise that innovation and enhanced traveller experiences emerge when “key players collaborate seamlessly”. 

“We aim to explore every aspect of the customer journey and airport operations, identifying opportunities for improvement through integration and collaboration,” said Martin Eurnekian, CEO of Corporación America Airports.

Xavier Rossinyol, Avolta CEO, added: “We share a mutual understanding that in order to foster sustained growth, it is imperative to revolutionise the conventional approach to conducting business within our industry. 

“Both the retailer and the airport operator must actively engage in the innovation process and embrace calculated risks. 

“The outdated model, anchored in high MAGs that restricted operators from making substantial investments and assuming risks, is destined to become obsolete.”

Earlier this month, Avolta bolstered its presence in Bulgaria with an eight-year contract extension, plus the opening of six new stores across Burgas and Varna airports.