HMS Host to make debut at Cork airport

Dermot Davitt

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

The contract marks a breakthrough into retail and catering in the UK and Ireland

Catering-to-retail group HMS Host has been awarded the main catering contract at Cork International airport's new terminal, which is due to open in March 2006. This is the group's first airport contract in the UK and Ireland and marks a significant breakthrough for the company. Aer Rianta Retail, which oversees retailing and catering at the Irish airports of Dublin, Cork and Shannon, has awarded the other catering concession to Subway.

Other tenants include book retailer Hughes & Hughes, while Aer Rianta Retail will operate the main Travel Value and duty-free shop itself. The 900sq m (9,680sq ft) store will offer a strong fragrances and cosmetics offer as well as liquor, confectionery, gifts and other items.

Aer Rianta International will complete the retail fit-out at Cork, director-general Eamon Foley confirmed to ravenfox.com. He said: "We'll give them assistance and support in the areas of shop design and fit-out. We have resources internally that Aer Rianta Retail do not, although they will operate the retail areas. It's not that unusual. We've done several small projects for them on The Street at Dublin airport in the past."