Belfast renovation nears completion

John Rimmer

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

Belfast International airport is close to finishing the upgrade of its commercial areas after appointing French retailer Aelia as its duty-free concessionaire

The renovation of the commercial areas at Belfast International airport is nearing completion, involving the rebranding of the airport's tax-free stores. French operator Aelia was awarded the contract to run duty-free at the location earlier this year and operates under the retail fascia Les Boutiques. Dixons Tax Free also runs a store in Belfast's new area, and Alpha Retail operates four World News outlets throughout the airport.

Aelia vice-president organisation and development Ambroise Fondeur said it was too early to assess the impact of his company's entry at Belfast, but insisted the operator was ?very happy? to be present. ?It's a challenge and we have to succeed,? he told RavenFox.com. ?We need a few months to adapt to the passenger profile at Belfast, so it is likely there will be a period of stability before we gain a full understanding of the business. Belfast's commercial zone is being completely renovated and we will have a clearer idea of the airport's potential once this is finished.?

Former Belfast incumbent The Nuance Group is engaged in a legal fight with Belfast International Airport Ltd, claiming that the airport terminated its five-year management contract unjustifiably. It has vowed ?to defend [its] right to continue trading?.