Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is undertaking its largest-ever commercial renovation – one that it hopes will achieve its vision to create the “most surprising commercial experience in a European airport”, as Filip Soete, Chief Commercial Officer, told Airport Business.
Aelia was awarded the eight-year duty free contract at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which includes the recently-opened walkthrough duty free store.
The hotly anticipated developments are transforming the commercial experience in both Terminals 1 and 2. The rejuvenated Terminal 1 is set to open in May 2016, with 11,000sqm of its area impacted by the revamp, seeing retail space grow by 160%, lounges by 70% and seating spaces by 60%. In Terminal 2, meanwhile, 23,000sqm will be updated, with 110% more commercial space, 90% more seating and lounges doubled in size, to open in May 2017.
“By 2017, both terminals will have been entirely renovated to provide double the retail areas and double the waiting areas,” Soete explained. “As for Terminal 2, the work for beginning of the extension has started on time in May 2015 to meet our May 2017 deadline. The challenge is to keep the terminal operational, without stopping any activities and minimise the impact of the renovation. Passengers in the new Terminal 1 now come out of security screening into a large store selling alcohol, tobacco and fragrances before they reach the departures lounge. Soon they will be sitting just a few feet away from some of the best names in the luxury and fashion industries. We chose to work with the best travel retail partners, reflecting a certain ‘sense of place’, showcasing the Côte d’Azur area, which we have made the heart of our project.”
The ambitious project involves a total rethink of the existing airport buildings, creating a seamless passenger journey, bigger operating areas, greater traffic capacity, and a more dynamic retail area.
The first beach bar to open in the airport, La Plage de Thierry Marx – the creation of two Michelin-star French chef Thierry Marx, will open in January 2016. The space combines a lounge, dining area, bar, and play area for children, complete with real sand and slides between its two levels.
All categories for which the airport issues tenders have now been fulfilled thanks to the creativity and expertise of four operators as partners: Aelia for alcohol, tobacco and fragrances; Dufry for fashion; and Relay and SSP for food & beverages. Several new outlets have already opened in Terminal 1. Importantly, Soete explained that Nice Côte d’Azur Airport has opened its first walkthrough duty free store in Terminal 1, in partnership with Aelia. He reported that it has performed very well so far, generating a sales increase of 40%.
“We began with the idea two-and-a-half years ago to revamp our two terminals, and are investing €45 million,” Soete commented. “Our vision is to deliver the most surprising commercial experience in a European airport, with a real sense of place and local brands to create that surprising effect. We want to be a little bit different and that was a goal throughout the tender process.”
A cosy and contemporary bar concept created in 2002 in Copenhagen, Joe & the Juice, now present at Nice Airport’s Terminal 1, has quickly become an essential. The menu includes fresh, natural and healthy sweet and savoury juices, and sandwiches.
This sense of place will be particularly evident in the food & beverage offer, with two new operators, SSP and RELAY France, developing compelling concepts consistent with the airport’s vision. “These are the most surprising and, while being entirely contemporary, most loyal to our locality, the French Riviera,” Soete noted.
New opening summary
Autumn 2015: Seamless new passenger path; Pret à Manger, Saveurs de Provence, Fragonard, Aelia duty free.
End 2015-January 2016: Food & beverages with Chez Pipo, Starbucks, La Plage by Thierry Marx, Pan Garni.
Spring 2016: Fashion and luxury offers, plus complete opening of Terminal 1 revamp.
