Lagardere has secured an eight-year contract to operate Auckland Airport’s four duty-free stores, following a global request for proposal process.

The new partnership, subject to Overseas Investment Office approval, is expected to take effect on July 1.

Lagardere will take over from a joint venture in which it was previously a partner – LagardereAWPL, which trades as Aelia Duty Free.

“While we were impressed with the quality of all the proposals we received, Lagardere stood out with the most compelling offer that aligns with Auckland Airport’s commitment to offer travellers an exceptional customer experience and celebrate the best of Aotearoa New Zealand and the world,” said Mark Thomson, chief commercial officer at Auckland Airport.

“They have over 10 years experience at AKL, most recently as part of the joint venture company Lagardere AWPL, trading as Aelia Duty Free. They also have global retail pedigree, operating in some of the largest airports in the Asia-Pacific region and in other locations around the world.”

Assuming the change proceeds, Lagardere will undertake what Thomson describes as “a full refurbishment of all duty-free stores, including a major transformation of departures”.

Auckland Airport noted that the Lagardere AWPL joint venture has more than 400 people working at the airport’s duty-free shops. Employees under the joint venture will transition to the new operator.

Lagardere, headquartered in Paris, is one of the world’s largest duty-free operators, with operations across 28 countries and in 105 airports.