Authority slams reports of low interest in Ben Gurion tender

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The Israeli Airports Authority has dismissed reports that only two retailers have bid to operate the liquor, tobacco, fragrances, cosmetics and drugstore tender at Ben Gurion airport's new international terminal

The Israeli Airports Authority (IAA) has dismissed reports in local media that only two retailers have submitted proposals to operate the liquor, tobacco, fragrances, cosmetics and drugstore tender at Ben Gurion airport's new international terminal. The tender, launched last month, was anticipated to generate international interest, and the authority denied reports that only local operators Sakal Bros and James Richardson had placed bids, adding that overseas operators would be involved in the process.

IAA commercial manager Oron Ronen told TRW that the selection process would be finalised before the end of the year, allowing the winning operator six months to plan the store and find stock and staff before the terminal's official opening in June 2004. He said: ?The reports are incorrect and I can confirm that more than two companies bought the tender documents and more than two have expressed interest.?

The next tender to be released is for the terminal's electronics business, and several local companies are expected to bid. Ronen said he expected the tender to be published within days.