Kyiv Duty Free departures sales up by 61%

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The Aer Rianta International subsidiary reports strong growth in its main departures outlet at Kiev Boryspil airport following last year's renovation

Departures sales at Kiev's Boryspil airport have risen 61% in the first eight months of the year compared with the same period last year, according to Kyiv Duty Free. The growth follows an expansion which more than trebled retail space, to 600sq m (6,456sq ft), late last year. The performance contributed to total sales growth across the Aer Rianta International subsidiary's business-including an Irish bar, coffee bar and inflight contracts on two Ukrainian airlines-of over 50%.

Fragrances, cosmetics, fashion, jewellery and watches sales were all boosted by additional space, allowing the operator to offer new brands and extended ranges of established lines. In particular fragrances and cosmetics have grown strongly, and sales now represent 34% of the company's total turnover. Space dedicated to travel-retail exclusive make-up sets helped boost the segment's sales by 174%, retail operations manager Domnick O'Reilly told TRW.

The retailer has also been boosted by the recent expansion of check-in, Customs and immigration facilities at Boryspil's international facility, terminal B, which has led to increased dwell-time airside. Departures at Boryspil hit 1m last year and are anticipated to rise 30%-35% in 2004.

For more on Kyiv Duty Free's business, see DFNI September 15, out next week.