Global Airport News
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport has opened its new terminal extension that includes a 1,100sq m Best Value travel retail store operated by Millenium Pro Design, in which Gebr Heinemann has a stake. The German company is also the exclusive supplier to the business.
The extension was opened by Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc and includes nine new boarding bridges and an increase in the number of gates to 24, through a €60 million investment. Romania plans to join the border-control-free Schengen zone in the second half of this year, with the extension a key element in preparing the airport. Passengers will benefit from various new facilities such as a children’s playground, a food court, cafés, restaurants, lounges and retail stores.
As well as opening the terminal Prime Minister Boc also unveiled the Best Value walk-through shop, which will act as a link between the original terminal and the extension building. All product categories will be available including, for the first time, duty paid cigarettes and spirits.
A key aim now for the partners Emil Rosca and Claus Heinemann will be to bring about the sale of duty free goods as well, with restriction currently in force. “We hope to play our part in persuading the Romanian government to re-establish by law the duty free status for travel to third countries,” said Heinemann. “In case this should happen, Millenium is trying to secure a duty free licence for airports in Romania.”
Another new 190sq m shop opened in what will be the non-Schengen area. Millenium Pro Design is investing €3.7 million and taking on 150 employees at Henri Coanda Airport, including 60 newly appointed staff members. Three more shops are already in the pipeline: an Arrivals, domestic and bus gate shop. All Best Value shops are open 24 hours a day. In addition, fashion and concept shops are scheduled to open in 2012.
Gebr Heinemann Co-Owner Claus Heinemann said: “We are excited about the dynamic developments at Henri Coanda International Airport in Bucharest. Working with the airport authorities and Millenium Pro Design, we have succeeded in creating an outstanding showcase for international brands on behalf of the passenger. I have no doubt that this new Romanian flagship will be a success.”
Elsewhere in Romania, Millenium operates Best Value shops at Bucharest Baneasa Airport, 8km away from Henri Coanda Airport, and also has shops at Timisoara and Cluj airports. At all sites Gebr Heinemann is the exclusive supplier.
