Duty Free World triumphs in United bid

US. Miami-based Duty Free World (DFW) has been appointed exclusive inflight duty free concessionaire for United Loyalty Services, a division of United Airlines.

The contract, effective 1 September, was formerly handled by Jean-Marcel Rouff’s Inflight Sales Group (ISG). The victory is a significant breakthrough for the ambitious Duty Free World, which recently also won the US Airways inflight business (The Moodie Report, 5 June 2003).

In a statement, United said: “The new contract increases revenue and includes many service quality enhancements. The bid process was tightly contested but DFW won the award on the strength of their financial package, automation, and plans for flight attendant motivation and consumer marketing.

“DFW principals have past experience with United’s duty free programme and currently operate the duty free concession for Mexicana and Avianca. DFW will replace ISG who has provided United’s duty free service for many years.”

“I am very excited to be working with United Airlines and Annette Gutsmiedl once again,” DFW executive Judi Bishop told The Moodie Report.

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