Commercial

Brussels Pier A: 'total shopping experience'

Brussels Pier A: ‘total shopping experience’

The new retail space incorporates luxury with high street shopping brands, to cater for both the business and budget traveller.

Is the economic climate affecting airport privatisations & acquisitions?

The short answer appears to be that investors are feeling little impact. Organisations such as Hochtief, Macquarie Airports and Balfour Beatty are enjoying considerable success, and are seemingly unaffected by the current economic climate. So, how have the ‘big players’ remained unscathed and can investors look ahead to a fruitful future? Michelle Meineke reports.

Turning industry challenges into profitable opportunities

Danae Vogiatzi was recently appointed Chair of the ACI EUROPE Commercial Forum and is manager of retail services at Athens International Airport. Vogiatzi told Michelle Meineke how the industry will need to react positively to current adversity and how cultural spirit in the retail mix is paramount, as globalisation of travel retail becomes increasingly evident.

ADR expecting a retail boost

Aeroporti di Roma’s (AdR) retail sales have grown from €190 million in 2004 to €280 million in 2007 across Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. That constitutes a 48% increase, with a 20% increase in spend per passenger across both retail (+23%) and food and beverage (+14%). Andrea Belardini, EVP, outlined details of AdR’s retail expansion and the importance of F&B to Michelle Meineke.

FX innovations: ‘the next level’

Major foreign exchange providers, such as American Express (AMEX), International Currency Exchange (ICE) and Travelex, are exploring new strategies and markets in their drive to take foreign exchange services at airports to the next level. Michelle Meineke reports.