In a statement, the Portuguese company explains that this joint venture will enter into force on June 1 of this year and will remain in force for seven years.

The concession of more than 34 commercial spaces has been run since 1995 by Lojas Francas Portuguesas (LFP) – created as a result of a partnership between Vinci Airports (51%) and Switzerland’s Dufry (49%) –, but the contract ends this month.

The concession of more than 34 commercial spaces, including duty free anchor stores, satellite stores, and fashion/beverage stores, with a total area of ​​approximately 9,500 square meters, will be awarded for seven years to Irish Aer Rianta International (ARI), ANA said in a statement. The company is owned by DAA, a semi-state-owned airport trading company in Ireland.

The operation starts on June 1 and the contract covers eight airports: Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo, Ponta Delgada, Santa Maria and Horta.

On the ANA side, CCO Thierry Ligonnière states that the concessionaire was looking for a “business partner with experience in the travel retail industry and with a strong alignment with VINCI Airports' priorities”.

In turn, the CEO of ARI, Ray Hernan, says he is “extremely pleased and excited” to have been chosen. “With over 70 years of experience in the duty free business, we will bring our world-class service and our extensive range of brands to Portugal. Together with the ANA team, we will provide an exceptional offer especially suited to each of the airports”.