Newcastle grows retail offer amid $12.5m expansion plan

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The north-east UK airport plans to introduce some major retail brands alongside Alpha Airport Shopping as it anticipates strong growth over the next few years

Newcastle International Airport is to inject £7m ($12.5m) into its commercial operations, including expanding its shopping facilities, over 2004. The north-east UK airport is anticipating a record 5m passengers this year as a result of new routes from budget airlines, and aims to introduce Dixons Tax Free, Tie Rack and Claire's Accessories outlets alongside the recently expanded 500sq m (5390sq ft) Alpha Airport Shopping store by the end of the year.

The airport's longer-term plan - up to 2016 and an anticipated annual traffic of 9.5m on between 50,000 and 90,000 flights ? also includes 16 new stands for planes (probably leading to expansion of the terminal), extra car parking, a new hotel and petrol station and improved public transport links.

Newcastle ceo John Parkin said: "This is the start of a major period of growth and change that will deliver one of the fastest growing and most successful airports in the UK. Delivering great service and giving our customers what they want is the key to getting them to fly from Newcastle again and again."

Alpha Retail was awarded the duty-free tender for the airport in January this year, and aims to invest around £825,000 in its store at the airport.