NEW ZEALAND. Christchurch International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is holding what it described as a “targeted tender process” following discussions with incumbent JR/Duty Free over the existing concession which had been due to run until mid-2023.
In 2015, CIAL JR/Duty Free (JR) extended their duty free partnership at the South Island’s leading gateway following contract renegotiations in the wake of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.
However, those discussions appear to have been unable to reach a mutually acceptable resolution, leading to a new RFP.
The city’s duty free market has faced difficulties in recent years due in particular to the slashing of the Australian and New Zealand tobacco arrivals allowance (25 sticks and 50 sticks, respectively), and heavy competition from Auckland as a gateway to the South Island.
Besides the incumbent, possible bidders include Aer Rianta International, Dufry, Gebr Heinemann and Lagardère Travel Retail, which all have an airport presence in Australasia.
JR/Duty Free was unavailable for comment (we’ll bring you any reaction if we get it). A CIAL spokesman could not comment beyond confirming the targeted tender.
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