Western Sydney appoints Lagardère AWPL as duty free operator

Lagardère AWPL has secured two major contracts to become Western Sydney International Airport’s official duty free and travel essentials partner for the next decade.

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will become Sydney’s new 24-hour gateway when it opens for passenger operations in Q3 this year.

Airport CEO, Simon Hickey, said the major commitment from the global powerhouse will deliver a premium retail experience featuring iconic brands, travel exclusive products, alongside a ‘best of the west’ concept that will showcase the vibrant culture of Western Sydney.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome a retailer of Lagardère AWPL’s calibre to Western Sydney International Airport. Their commitment is a strong vote of confidence in what we’re building here, a game-changing 24-hour airport that reflects and celebrates the community it serves,” enthused Hickey.

“Most of us love a good browse through duty-free, where travellers are often looking for a great deal on some of their favourite premium products, and then there’s the inevitable dash for an essential item that you perhaps forgot to pack for your travels.

“Rest assured, we’ll have a terrific retailer to support those last-minute needs for a stress-free journey,”

With around 3,100 square metres of retail space, Lagardère AWPL will operate 11 retail stores, including 1,900 square metres for duty free, 1,200 square metres for Travel Essentials and specialty retail, spanning the international and domestic precincts.

Lagardère Travel Retail CEO Frédéric Chevalier noted that Western Sydney (WSI) is one of the most exciting airport projects in the Asia Pacific region.

“Lagardère AWPL is thrilled to have been chosen to operate duty-free and travel essentials at this stunning new gateway to Australia,” said Chevalier.

“We’re grateful to WSI for their trust and for the opportunity to create a truly unique retail experience for travellers to Western Sydney.”

While WSI’s chief customer and commercial officer, Alison Webster, stated that delivering a retail offer tailored to customer needs while ensuring value for money were the top priorities for WSI as it selected this new retail partner.

“In Lagardère AWPL we have secured a partner that truly understands our vision to provide a world-class retail experience that also reflects the local character of Western Sydney,” she said.

Retail fit outs within the WSI terminal will begin over the coming weeks.

WSI is on track to open for domestic and international passenger services by the end of October this year, following the launch of cargo services by the end of July.