JR/Duty Free Extends Partnership At Christchurch Airport
Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL) and international duty free operator JR/Duty Free (JR) have extended
their duty free partnership at Christchurch Airport to the middle of 2023. JR has also entered into a seven-year lease
agreement with CIAL for a 500sqm warehouse. This facility will be JR’s distribution centre for its New Zealand
operations.
JR/Duty Free began operations at the airport in July 2010, after winning a competitive tender process.
CEO Milton Lasnitzki says he is thrilled CIAL has extended its contract with JR.
“This extension reflects the strong partnership between JR/Duty Free and Christchurch Airport and our shared focus on
delighting passengers at every opportunity,” Mr Lasnitzki says. “We have done a lot of good work together in the past
five years. I recall in particular how our two management teams rallied together very effectively during the extremely
trying times following the Christchurch earthquakes in late 2010 and 2011.
“Passenger growth has been seven per cent in the past financial year and we are excited by Christchurch Airport’s plans
to continue to grow passenger numbers. We also look forward to significantly growing passenger spend rates through
consistently offering new and exciting concepts. We have seen increasing passenger numbers in recent times and know the
South Island is very attractive to travellers, so look forward to welcoming them when they arrive through the Gateway to
the South Island.”
Christchurch Airport Chief Commercial Officer- Property, Blair Forgie says he is delighted to see the partnership
extended.
“The extension of the contract reflects JR/Duty Frees strong connection to Christchurch both before and since the
earthquakes. JR/Duty Free has performed strongly through some tough times and we continue to receive positive feedback
from our customers” says Mr Forgie. “We look forward to continued innovation from JR/Duty Free and providing our
customers with a world class duty free shopping experience.”
JR/Duty Free also has stores at Wellington, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin and Perth airports.
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