Lagardère Travel Retail start Duty Free operations at Christchurch Airport with Aelia Duty Free

Sydney, November 28th - The travel retailer has successfully transitioned the Duty Free offer from JR Duty Free to Aelia Duty Free at Christchurch Airport, in time for the busy peak season. Opening in both Arrivals and Departures and covering over 905 sqm in Departures and 544 sqm In Arrivals, passengers travelling through Christchurch International Airport will have the chance to discover the Aelia Duty Free concept, offering global and local brands in an engaging shopping environment.

Driven by the Four Key Pillars of Aelia Duty Free - The Art of the Gift, Facilitation, Care and Here & Nowhere else, the stores will showcase a strong element of local sense of place initially through product offers, promotions and specialist staff knowledge.

Having been recently awarded 8 years concessions to operation both Duty Free and Specialty stores within the International terminal at Christchurch Airport, the group is reinforcing its strategic plan of operations three business units in one location Duty Free & Fashion, Travel Essentials and Food Service - and strengthening its ongoing and successful relationship with Christchurch Airport where it currently operates 7 retail outlets. The operator will roll out the new departure Duty Free store, four new Specialty stores and the main Food & Beverage bar during 2019 more than doubling its airside space to approx. 1928 sqm of engaging travel retail.

CEO Przemek Lesniak said the opening has set a new benchmark in the Pacific.
“We are delighted to be extending our Duty Free presence to this part of the Pacific region. Christchurch Airport has been a valued partner of ours for 7 years, and we are very pleased to expand on our enduring partnership. We will continue to work together to deliver outstanding customer service and develop our new stores so every international passenger through Christchurch Airport receives a world class experience with a strong local sense of place. The level of detail in the preparation, organisation and coordination of this project has allowed an incredibly smooth transition for Aelia Duty Free to open and we are very excited to unveil Aelia Duty Free at Christchurch Airport. We believe it can exceed the expectations of both partners and passengers.”

Christchurch Airport’s Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer Justin Watson says the airport is very excited to take the relationship to the next level.
“We have strong aspirations both from an experiential and digital perspective and Lagardère stood out as the right partner to go on a journey with. As the international gateway to the South Island, we are uniquely placed to offer an experience that showcases the best of our place.”

Aelia Duty Free in Christchurch has joined our digital world, with a dedicated website for a first class on-line Aelia Duty Free shopping experience: https://christchurch.aeliadutyfree.co.nz/