Few would begrudge Alpha management’s immense satisfaction on yesterday news that the group had signed a ten-year extension to its retail contract with Manchester Airport. The UK retail-to-catering group has been under virtually constant fire this year, reeling from the suspension of its stock market listing and the sudden departures of its CEO and Finance
Airports
When good news is no news
It never ceases to amaze me how daily newspapers love to attack their own national institutions. Today’s Bangkok Post was no exception. The day after the Thai capital’s long-awaited new airport at Suvarnabhumi opened, the front-page headline was ‘First day fliers left irked’. “Frustration and confusion were among the sentiments of many passengers using Suvarnabhumi
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People
Farewell to a founding father
There are only a few individuals during the 60-year history of duty free who can truly be considered as having shaped the industry. Alberto C Motta Snr, who died this week at the age of 90, was one of them. In 1949 he opened the first airport duty free store in his region, in Panama
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Airports
When the ocean came to the airport
It’s 30 metres long, three metres wide, 5.5 metres high and is set to land at Suvarnabhumi Airport when the new facility opens in Bangkok on Thursday. But we’re talking oceans not aircraft here. It’s called the Churning of the Milk Ocean and it’s one of the most remarkable features within any airport in the
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Quirky
Security gets in a pickle over Branston
“Red alert – can you get extra security over here? A jar of Branston Pickle has just been found in a passenger’s hand baggage. Yes… Branston Pickle. I have confiscated it. Why? Because it’s a liquid. Or a gel? Well it depends how thickly you like it spread.” Yes it’s true. The Moodie Blog can
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Airports
Getting into the Brazilian spirit at T4
Nice to see the Heathrow Terminal 4 promotional bar in the heart of the liquor, tobacco and confectionery shop flourishing. As I wearily put back on my shoes and belt and put away my precious laptop post security on Sunday night, the bar drew me in like a beacon. “Hello Sir, try this cocktail –
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Airports
Destination Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Coup? What coup? That’s the question any observer of the Thai duty free industry must be asking this week as Bangkok’s long-awaited new airport at Suvarnabhumi Airport gets set for its Grand Opening – just nine days after a military coup that overthrew the Prime Minister. Any thoughts that the dramatic events of last Tuesday
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Airports
Business as usual at Heathrow?
If I was BAA I would be doing everything in my power to put on a song and dance act for those frazzled passengers as they emerge, muttering and stressed from security. Tell them ‘the worst is over – your holiday starts now’. Give them a sense of fun, highlight some irresistible offers, make duty free a consumer’s haven, not just another sign-ridden obstacle course on the way to the gate.