New Duty Free operator for Darwin

Chief Executive Officer of Darwin International Airport, Ian Kew, said a competitive field of
tenderers had vied for the contract, however JR Duty Free had provided a compelling vision of "a best value for money, innovative, world-class shopping experience" for international travellers.

"This supports Darwin's growing role as an international airport and our major overhaul of airport operations over the past four years," Mr Kew said. "Our goal has been to create a modern airport with better facilities, a better customer experience, and high class shopping," he said.

The refurbishment has included better directional signs, upgraded facilities such as carpets and toilets and new operators in the terminal, matched by upgraded external facilities and carparks. Better directional signs and departure seating will be installed soon, he said.

A new food and beverage contract was signed with Spotless in 2002, and a new airport newsagency and gift retailer was appointed in 2003.

JR Duty Free is a member of the James Richardson Group, an Australian owned company established in 1892 and purchased by its present owner David Mandie AM, OBE in 1953.

James Richardson pioneered duty free shopping in Australia under the brand name of City International, opening its first store at Brisbane Airport in 1972. The company then secured contracts at Sydney, Cairns, Perth and Melbourne airports, selling its duty free division to Nuance in 1995.

James Richardson has maintained its substantial duty free operations at Tel Aviv Airport since 1988. In Australia, it operates off airport duty free stores in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth under the JR Duty Free brand.

The Darwin Airport contract, which starts on 1 February 2007, marks the return of JR Duty Free to Australian airports. A new store will open in the international departure lounge first, then in the arrivals area. JR Duty Free will trade from the currents stores while the new stores are developed.

"We are very much looking forward to the challenge of building the business at Darwin," said James Richardson Executive Director Evelyn Danos.

"Our ambition is to invigorate the Australian duty free market with spectacular looking stores, superb customer services and the world's best brands at the best prices," she said.

Garry Stock, Duty Free Chairman, added: "We see a successful on-airport duty free business as being dependent on the cooperation between the airport owner and operator.

"Throughout the selection process, we were impressed by the spirit of partnership extended by both Darwin International Airport and the Darwin business community," Mr Stock said.

Airport Development Group Pty Ltd is a CAPA Member. For more information on the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation's membership service, please click the icon below.