Aer Rianta and ANA duty free JV announced

Duty-free pioneer Aer Rianta International (ARI) has been chosen by VINCI Airport's Aeroportos de Portugal (ANA) to form a joint venture to operate its portfolio of duty-free and retail concessions.

From June 1, 2022, the contract will cover eight airport locations in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo and Ponta Delgada, Sta Maria and Horta in the Azores. The concession encompasses more than 34 commercial spaces, including duty-free shops, satellite stores and fashion/beauty outlets, with a total area approximately of 9,500sq m, which the new joint venture will manage for a period of seven years.

ANA CEO Thierry Ligonnière said: “We are excited to initiate this new partnership with ARI and to deploy a unique shopping environment with two key values: authenticity and sustainability. We are convinced that blending local tastes and flavours with a wide-range of international products, and keeping our focus on environmental protection at our operations, will contribute to the best of journeys for our passengers.”

Commenting on the store offering, ARI’s CO and business development officer Nuno Amaral said: “I am beyond proud that ARI has been successful in the bid to work with the team at ANA and operate the duty-free concessions throughout my home country of Portugal. We knew early in the pitch process that ARI’s vision, ambition and experience in travel retail perfectly complements ANA’s innovation and service throughout their airports.”