"Abu Dhabi Duty Free expects sharp increase in turnover this year"

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Abu Dhabi Duty Free expects sharp increase in turnover this year
Rising passenger traffic will see turnover at Abu Dhabi Duty Free jump by 25
per cent this year, a company official said.
By Stanley Carvalho
United Arab Emirates - Gulf News


With expansion plans looming large, Abu Dhabi Duty Free (ADDF) has projected
that sales will double within four to five years, in part because of the new
airlines operating here.

"We expect turnover to reach about $93 million (Dh342 million) by the end of
2004, achieving growth of 25 per cent over last year," said Mohammad Mounib,
managing director of ADDF and president of the Middle East Duty Free
Association (Medfa).

The growth in the airport's retail sales is due to expanding passenger
traffic. By the end of 2004, passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International
Airport is expected to reach 5.2 million compared with 4.3 million last
year.

"With the launch of Etihad Airways as well as Gulf Traveller and some other
charter airlines flying to Abu Dhabi, passenger traffic has been growing
fast, which, in turn, has helped turnover increase at the duty free
outlets," he said.

Average spend per passenger is $41 (Dh150.47), one of the highest worldwide,
he said.

"We expect one million additional passengers to use Abu Dhabi airport next
year and with the additional space and more retail outlets, turnover growth
is bound to be positive."


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