Aelia cements ties with TBI at Luton

John Rimmer

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The French operator has won its second UK airport contract in as many months

French operator Aelia has followed its capture of the retail contract at Belfast International airport (DFNI November 1) by winning the tender at London Luton airport. Both locations are managed by UK airport authority TBI. Aelia will move into the space vacated by incumbent The Nuance Group when its contract expires on January 1 before relocating to a 1,200sq m (12,900sq ft) store in Luton's new commercial area in June.

London Luton business development director Natalie Raper said Aelia's bid was "by far the best and most commercially confident proposal" for the existing shop space and new area. DFNI understands that Nuance and Alpha were among other bidders for the contract.

Aelia vice-president organisation and development Ambroise Fondeur said the product offer would include all traditional duty-free categories plus a selection of speciality concepts. "We are also looking at introducing a Bijoux Terner store, as this concept has worked especially well at Belfast International so far," he added.

The win marks Aelia's second UK contract win in as many months, and the retailer is also expected to be among the bidders for the forthcoming Birmingham airport retail contract.