MILAN, Italy – Through its HMSHost International subsidiary, Autogrill is starting up operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the second biggest airport in the United Arab Emirates by passenger traffic and the hub of the national airline Etihad.
The Company has secured a new contract to provide food & beverage services in six points of sale which are expected to generate total revenues of around EUR20m in the period 2014-2019.
“Entry to Abu Dhabi is an important step for our expansion across the most dynamic airports in the Middle East and is a continuation of our strategy launched at the Dubai hub at the end of 2012,” said HMSHost International CEO Walter Seib.
“We’re happy to be bringing our experience to an airport that’s recorded exceptional growth in recent years and is offering important development prospects for our business.”
“Abu Dhabi Airports are constantly striving to improve the customer experience and are working closely with our partners HMS Host to deliver new brands and facilities that will enhance the dining experience for all customers ” said Abu Dhabi Airports Vice President Commercial Gavin Mckechnie.
To satisfy the needs of a multi-ethnic clientele at Abu Dhabi Airport, Autogrill will be introducing concepts from its own portfolio, already successfully operated in European airports, as well as international brands.
Concepts that will be opening in March in Terminal 3 include Urban Food Market, a delicatessen concept recalling the ambience of an open market, Cinnabon, a well known pâtisserie brand, Barista, an Italian espresso-inspired coffee bar, Flat White, a coffee bar with an international offering, and Grab & Fly, with snacks to take away.
Autogrill in Asia and the Middle East
The Group made its first move in Asia at the beginning of 2000 when it entered Malaysia, followed by India in 2006 and then Singapore. In the last two years, Autogrill has continued to expand in the Asian and Middle Eastern markets by starting up operations in countries with high growth potential for the travel f&b sector, such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Abu Dhabi International Airport
With around 17 million passengers in 2013 and average annual growth of 12.6% since 2006, Abu Dhabi International Airport has grown in step with it strategic importance as a hub of intercontinental routes connecting Europe and Asia.
Last year, the top five flight destinations were India, Germany, the UK, Thailand and Saudi Arabia.
The airport is served by over 40 airlines connecting the Emirates capital with over 54 countries.
It enjoys an international reputation as a model of excellence in terms of avant- garde architectural solutions and high quality traveller services and in 2013 was judged “Best Airport for the Middle East region” by both Airport Council International (ACI) and the international Skytrax rankings (voted by passengers). Source:
