Sutcliffe hails "fantastic" year for ARI-ME

John Rimmer

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

The Middle East retailer claims "at least 30% growth" across all its operations in 2004

Aer Rianta International-Middle East (ARI-ME) has enjoyed "an absolutely fantastic year", according to managing director John Sutcliffe. "It has been the most robust year I can remember in my 20 years in the Middle East," he told RavenFox.com. "Considering what went before, with regard to the SARS epidemic, the Iraq war and sporadic incidents, we've done incredibly well this year. All our operations have enjoyed 30% growth or better."

Beirut Duty Free is now ARI-ME's biggest operation in terms of turnover, and Sutcliffe insisted that the retailer could soon overtake Abu Dhabi in the region's league table of sales. ARI-ME is investing to improve its outlets at Beirut and has also completed changes elsewhere in its network of stores.

"We've just finished a refurbishment of Qatar Duty Free [managed by ARI-ME on behalf of Qatar Airways] which has meant a small amount of extra space and a reorganisation of store layout," said Sutcliffe. ARI-ME's two contracts in Qatar, including the Qatar Duty Free management contract and its deal to distribute liquor, expire next April, and ARI-ME is now negotiating a renewal with Qatar Airways.

In Bahrain, ARI-ME is in discussions with the government over the introduction of standalone stores and boutiques at the airport. The operator plans to add 300sq m (3,320sq ft) of new space adjacent to its existing retail area (DFNI December 1).