Hamila eyes Tunisair concession

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The local operator is hoping to add a significant new contract to its existing inflight business

Tunisian duty-free operator Hamila Duty Free has signalled its intention to bid for the duty-free concession onboard national carrier Tunisair. The contract would cap a busy year for the retailer, which recently won the five-year inflight retail contract on regional charter airline Nouvelair's six aircraft.

The company is predicting an annual turnover of Eu14.5m ($17.3m) in 2003, up from Eu13m ($15.5m) last year, mainly as a result of its strong car ferry business on routes between Tunis and Marseilles in France and Genoa in Italy. That contract, along with the tender for its Tunis seaport shop, are due for renewal in July 2004.

The company is also renovating its diplomatic outlet in Tunis, at a cost of $500,000. The changes are expected to be completed by the end of the year, and a delegation from Hamila will attend the Middle East Exclusive exhibition in December to explain the company's developments to clients.

?It's an exciting time for our company with lots of new developments in our business,? said Hamila spokeswoman Ghofrane Zitouni. ?Our president is looking forward to coming to Dubai and delivering a presentation on the developments in our country.?

Keep an eye on TRW for more detail.