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Retail Changes at Airport

Friday, 22 March 2013

There have been some considerable improvements to the landside retail facilities at Ronaldsway recently, and work is about to start with further changes within the Departures Lounge. The Department’s retail partner, The Caterleisure Group, the company who won the tender last year for operating the Airport’s retail outlets, have refurbished the landside café (Café Oasis) incorporating for the first time a deli-bar, plus the landside shop is now branded WHSmith.

The Department had considered incorporating branded operations at the Airport three years ago however the end of the previous retail contract was looming and so the plan to bring branded operations to Ronaldsway, which would require major infrastructure investment by the new retail partner, was put on hold and incorporated into the tender process. Both the landside shop and café look significantly improved and have a much better selection of goods, incorporating many Manx products.

After Easter work will begin in the Airport’s Departure Lounge whereby the current small bar area will be much enlarged and become a Costa Coffee with an adjoining but separate bar area. The work will take between 2 – 3 weeks.

Airport Director Ann Reynolds said:

'We are very pleased with the landside changes and to see WHSmith at the Airport, and look forward to completing the airside facilities. There will be some inconvenience to passengers in the Departures Lounge, for which we apologise in advance and thank the public for their patience'.

Minister for Infrastructure David Cretney is delighted that the facilities at the Airport match those that can be found at the Sea Terminal.

'There have been many changes and improvements at the Airport, and not just with the airfield infrastructure. The services inside the Terminal for passengers are also very important in terms of choice and customer service, as well as the need to raise customer spend. With short dwell times there is little opportunity for retail purchases so having these well known branded outlets facilities, should improve the passenger experience and choice.'

For further information tel David Cretney MHK +44 1624 686642

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