Highlights:

The selection of operators for speciality retail and food & beverage outlets in the departure lounge at Keflavik International Airport has been completed. Changes will increase the product range and ensure increased income for the airport.  A number of factors were assessed including services, product range and various financial and operational factors, as well as a focus on the sense of place i.e. Iceland.

 

Numerous ambitious proposals were received, both from current operators at the airport and new entities. Six retail outlets and one F&B outlet were selected to continue operation and two new retailers and four F&B outlets were added. The changes will involve a considerable increase in the range of products on offer in the air terminal. 

 

F&B services will be handled by Joe Iceland with a Joe and the Juice sandwich and juice bar, and Nord, in collaboration with Lagardère Services, which will continue with the operation of Icelandic themed over the counter restaurant free-flow, a Segafredo coffee shop and an Iceland-themed bar.  

There will be fewer changes to the retail outlets in the terminal. The shops 66°North, Blue Lagoon, Elko, Eymundsson, Optical Studio and the Iceland Gift Store (Rammagerðin) will all continue to operate. A new shop will be operated by the Airport Retail Group with international brand name fashion clothing and Icelandic design as well as a delicatessen operated by Nord and Lagardère Services.

 

A total of 71 proposals were received, many of which were extremely well prepared. Thirteen proposals were selected, following a pre-qualification process based on a variety of relevant factors. 

Ensuing redevelopment of the departure hall includes extension of the area occupied by retail and food & beverage outlets so that the airport will be able to serve the increased number of passengers expected in the next few years. The changes will bring more jobs and increased revenue, which will support important future investments required at the airport. Construction work in the departure lounge will begin in November and is expected to be completed by spring. 

 

“We are extremely pleased with the results of the selection process. The goal was to increase revenue from commercial operation, open the market and encourage competition by using as transparent a process as possible in selecting operators. We also focused on ensuring visible connections with Iceland in the range of products and refreshments and think that we have achieved this goal. The income from this part of the commercial area will increase by 60%. The return on investment will be around two and a half years through increased revenue alone and we will be able to fund future projects.” 

“It’s also good to see how well Icelandic companies did in the international competition involved in the concession process and how competitive they are. Likewise, the great interest shown by very competitive international companies shows the attractiveness of operating at Keflavik International.”