Alpha takes Qantas inflight retail contract

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Alpha Airports Group's Inflight Retail division is awarded the Australian carrier's contract as it announces strong trading in the second half of 2003

The company reported that its Inflight Retail division had grown in line with the rapid expansion of the low-cost airline sector, while its Airport Retail arm had performed particularly well in the UK, with annual sales up over 15% on 2002. However, dollar fluctuations would have an adverse affect on its Indian sub-continent and middle eastern business, the company said.

The operator was one of three companies to receive an invitation to bid for the Qantas contract late last year after the carrier revealed it would be outsourcing most of its non-core businesses. Alpha Inflight Retail director Paul Possamai confirmed the group's interest to DFNI shortly after bidding (DFNI December 15 '03).

NB. Alpha's inflight catering - not retail - contract with Thomas Cook Airlines expires at the end of March. Alpha does not operate the carrier's duty-free concession.

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