ARI signs Pristina deal

Gavin Lipsith

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

The company confirms that it has won the 10-year contract to design and operate the first duty-free stores at the Kosovan airport

As reported previously on RavenFox.com (August 5), ARI was the favourite to win the concession after being placed highest in both technical and financial bids. ARI business development and marketing manager Dermot Ryan confirmed that the deal had been signed and indicated the significance of the contract.

"At present no such facilities exist at the airport," he said. "ARI won through a public tender, fighting off stiff international competition in the process. The contract represents a key strategic win for ARI in Eastern Europe."

RavenFox.com understands that ARI faced competition from Spanish retailer Provimar, Gebr Heinemann and a Norwegian diplomatic supply company. The 10-year contract is worth approximately €6-7m ($7.1-8.3m) and covers all traditional duty-free goods. The retail area will cover about 1,500-2,000sq ft (140-185sq m).