ARI-ME completes Qatar deal

John Rimmer

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Aer Rianta International-Middle East and Qatar Airways yesterday signed the deal that extends the companies' Qatar Duty Free cooperation at Doha airport until 2010

Sutcliffe told RavenFox.com he was "delighted" to secure the extension and paid tribute to the achievements of Qatar Airways in transforming Doha airport. "I have to emphasise the role Akbar Al Baker has played," he said. "The old airport at Doha was one of the worst in the region; now, relative to its size, it is one of the best. The new deal is a real pat on the back for us as there was a lot of speculation over whether we would retain our contract, but we're delighted with the confidence Qatar Airways has placed in us. Now it's up to us to deliver the goods, and we will."

Sutcliffe said that Qatar Duty Free's sales were over 50% up on 2004 so far this year. "Doha is undoubtedly the fastest growing duty-free business in the Middle East." A new airport is to be completed in the Qatari capital in 2009, but no decision has yet been taken on ARI-ME's involvement in the new facility.