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Auckland International Airport Ltd (AIAL) said it plans to have one duty free operator in the future.
AIAL said it has called for tenders from its existing duty free retailers, The Nuance Group (trading as Regency Duty Free) and the DFS Group, for the operation of a single on-airport duty free business until June 2015.
The pair have the right to operate until August 2009. However, AIAL has elected to proceed with a tender now to finalise duty free arrangements before the new duty free space in the international terminal expansion is open.
During a phase in to new arrangements from April 2008 to August 2009 the airport will move from the two duty free operators to a single operator. The tenders close on June 15.
The Nuance Group and the DFS Group have been operating at Auckland Airport for over 10 years.
AIAL's general manager retail Nick Forbes said one operator will offer more products.
"This can be achieved by using the terminal space more efficiently and avoiding duplication of products," said Mr Forbes.
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Christchurch airports had single operators.
AIAL said it is also currently considering proposals for car rental and banking and foreign exchange services at Auckland Airport and details of these tenders are expected to be announced shortly.
- NZPA
