GMR Infrastructure subsidiary GMR DIAL awards license for Duty Free shops to Alpha, Pantaloon consortium

GMR Infrastructure Ltd has announced that some of the world’s most famous brands are now coming to the Delhi airport. Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd (DIAL) has awarded the Duty Free Shopping Contract for Indira Gandhi International Airport to 'Alpha - Pantaloon Consortium'. The consortium comprises the UK based Alpha Airports Group Plc and Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd, a Future Group venture. An agreement was signed between GMR DIAL, and Alpha-Pantaloon Consortium.

The value of the contract for DIAL is at least Rs 500 crore. The term of the contract is 3.25 years.

The consortium promises to bring international retailing standards to Indian airports. The Alpha stores at Delhi Airport will feature an extensive range of products by some of the largest & most popular brands in the world. The brands for India have been selected after careful research in passenger demographics, customer profiling & destination requirements. Passengers can choose from brands such as Armani, Gucci, Christian Dior, Calvin Klein, Nike, Swatch etc.

Asia accounts for nearly 35 percent of the global duty free sales. Indians, especially are avid shoppers. The booming economy and international air traffic in India have created major opportunities in duty free sales in the country as well. No longer is duty free shopping just about loading up with as much cut-price liquor and tobacco as customs regulations back home allow. Instead, airports are increasingly becoming upscale bazaars, retailing premium goods, electronic products, gourmet foods and fashion accessories.

Alpha Airports Group Plc has extensive experience in duty free retailing with more than 140 retail outlets across 40 locations in the UK, Europe, USA, and South Asia. In Asia it has outlets in Cochin, Colombo, Kathmandu and Male.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Srinivas Bommidala - Managing Director DIAL said, "We are extremely pleased to appoint Alpha Future as the duty free operator for the Delhi Airport. Their extensive experience across the globe and in the country matches DIAL’s vision for providing world class experience to travellers at the Delhi Airport."

Mr. Peter William, CEO Alpha Group stated, "This exciting development continues to build on our Indian sub-continent experience and forms part of our strategy for the region."

DIAL is currently building a modern airport with state of the art facilities for Delhi. The first phase of the airport would be ready with the completion of a new integrated terminal building in 2010. This new terminal will cater to both domestic and international passengers and will be capable of handling 37 million passengers per annum. Prior to that a new domestic airline terminal and a third runway to complement existing two would be built by 2008.

Source : Equity Bulls

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