UK. Boots and Dixons Travel have opened stores in the updated departures lounge at Aberdeen International Airport.
As reported, a £20 million (US$26 million) terminal transformation project is underway at the airport and nearing completion, with more stores set to open in the autumn.
Boots and Dixons Travel have now relocated to larger units, which offer up to twice the space of their previous stores in the airport.
The updated retail area features a new staircase leading down to the lower lounge and the passenger lift has been upgraded. The exit for arriving domestic passengers has also been moved to a more prominent position, which is easily identifiable for those leaving the airport. Further developments are planned later this year.
Aberdeen International Airport Managing Director Steve Szalay said: “Boots and Dixons Travel have been loyal retailers with the airport for many years and we hugely welcome their fantastic new stores.”
Dixons Travel North, South & Ireland Regional Manager Frank McGibbon commented: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Aberdeen International Airport. We have long welcomed the opportunity to move into a bigger, brighter space and significant investment by the airport has allowed us to do just that.”
McGibbon said the new store would contribute to a better overall customer experience at the airport.
Boots Store Manager Sylvia Kerr commented: “The team and I are so excited to be part of a new store opening. The store looks fantastic, the range of products is amazing, and I’m sure our customers will be delighted with their experience.”
Passengers are able to move freely around the upper departures lounge. The airport’s newest eatery, The Distilling House, is fully visible following the removal of construction hoarding.
TRG Concessions Managing Director Nick Ayerst described The Distilling House as a “brilliant addition” to the portfolio of dining options at the airport.
Further upgrades are planned. Szalay said the next and final phase includes the refurbishment and extension of The Globe into a much larger wine bar and restaurant. A licenced café will operate in the area vacated by Boots.
“Previously our arriving passengers would have been exiting the airport via the construction site, but they will have a bright and spacious arrivals area to pass through,” Szalay added.
“The terminal is looking better than ever and we’re excited about the work still to come. We’ll be ready to showcase the departures lounge by September when we’ll have an influx of passengers for Offshore Europe [a conference and exhibition dedicated to the oil & gas industry], one of the busiest spells for increased passenger numbers this year.”
