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Tag: airport

  • AirAsia X lose bid for MAVCOM judicial review

    AirAsia X lose bid for MAVCOM judicial review

    Malaysia’s High Court has dismissed applications made by AirAsia and AirAsia X seeking a judicial review of the Malaysian Aviation Commission’s (MAVCOM) decision not to mediate a dispute between the carriers and Malaysia Airports (MAHB).

    Both carriers acknowledged that their application was dismissed “with no costs,” and they will review the decision with their legal counsel.

    The judicial review application was made in mid-May, with the airlines arguing that MAVCOM “has a statutory duty to decide on the dispute once mediation between parties has failed, or is deemed to have failed”.

    The dispute was first sparked in December, when MAHB filed a MYR36.4 million lawsuit against the airlines the month before for failing to remit higher passenger services charges since 1 January 2018.

    That was followed by a MYR480 million counter-claim by AirAsiaand AirAsia X against MAHB relating to economic losses and poor service levels at the KLIA2 terminal it operates from at Kuala Lumpur International airport.

    A subsequent mediation offer made by the airlines to MAHB was rejected by the airport operator.

    AirAsia Group chief executive Tony Fernandes has repeatedly complained about high charges and poor infrastructure at the KLIA2 terminal. The airline has resisted a regulatory ruling that it should pay the same passenger charges as airlines using the main terminal at KLIA, arguing that the terminal is a low-cost facility and should be charged as such.

    MAHB maintains that KLIA2 is not a low-cost terminal and provides more capacity at the airport.

  • Bose pop-up store opens at Changi Airport, Singapore

    Bose pop-up store opens at Changi Airport, Singapore

    A Bose pop-up store has opened at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3 Transit Departure Hall.

    Trading until June 30, the store will give travellers the chance to experience and own Bose’s first audio sunglasses equipped with Bose AR capability, and to try out its latest noise-cancellation headphones.

    The Bose pop-up store features two zones that let travellers experience Bose products. In one, travellers get to try Bose Frames – the first audio sunglasses from Bose – and go on virtual adventures across different scenes while a soundtrack plays from the device.

    In the other zone, travellers can try out Bose’s latest headphones in sound domes.

    The pop-up store also has a photo booth where visitors can snap and upload pictures of themselves with the Bose Frames for a chance to win a pair of Bose Frames.

    “This technologically savvy pop-up store is an exciting collaboration between Bose and Changi,” said Teo Chew Hoon, group senior VP of airside concessions at Changi Airport Group.

    “As an international hub for travellers, Changi Airport, and by extension Singapore, is the perfect location for the Asia-Pacific launch of our latest product, the Bose Frames,” said Christian Rojas, market development leader, focus market development at Bose.

    “Through engaging travel retail concepts like this, we are confident that the authentic Bose experience will be showcased and look forward to bringing high-quality sound to transit travellers at Changi Airport.”

  • King Power Thailand Acquires More Monopolis

    King Power Thailand Acquires More Monopolis

    King Power Thailand has won extended exclusive rights to operate at three additional Thai airports for a further 10 years.

    The firm won tenders for Phuket, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai airports, just a week following a win at the country’s main international airport at Suvarnabhumi near Bangkok.

    The contracts were subject to some criticism from observers such as the Thai Retailers Association, who were hoping to see Airports of Thailand bring greater competition to the US$2.1 billion duty-free retail sector. The airport operator responded to criticism in saying King Power had submitted the best proposal above close rivals Lotte Group and Dufry.

    In short, King Power bought the rights, the cost of which will inevitably be passed on to travellers. Rival companies have called for a “more opaque” tender process.

    The tenders reaffirm King Power’s status as effectively the only duty-free store provider at major airports in Thailand.

  • Changi Airport liquor & tobacco concession Open

    Changi Airport liquor & tobacco concession Open

    The Changi Airport liquor & tobacco concession is up for grabs after DFS Venture opted not to proceed with a two-year extension.

    Changi Airport Group (CAG) will launch a tender for the concession on June 4, covering 18 stores, spanning more than 8000sqm of retail space across the airport’s four terminals. It will run for six years from June 9 next year.

    CAG is seeking a strong partner with retail concepts to augment the passenger experience for the liquor and tobacco concession.

    From store design and product range, to in-store activations and e-commerce strategy, the retailer should put forth a robust and compelling proposal, leveraging new technologies and innovations, to elevate travel retail at Changi, CAG said.

    The Changi Airport liquor & tobacco concession will serve more than 66 million international travellers who pass through Changi Airport annually.

    “We look forward to new retail concepts to take the liquor & tobacco concession to new heights,” said CAG VP for commercial, Lim Peck Hoon.

    “Changi is fully committed to growing with our concession partners through impactful innovation and effective collaboration. There will be a wealth of opportunities for the liquor & tobacco partner to showcase its offerings to Changi’s global audience, delivering revolutionary best-in-class retail experiences, to build and grow its business.”

    Interested retailers will be required to attend a compulsory tender briefing and site visit scheduled on June 25. The deadline for submissions is August 5.

  • Incheon Airport duty-free tenders to be Launched soon

    Incheon Airport duty-free tenders to be Launched soon

    Incheon Airport duty-free tenders will be released in the fourth quarter of this year.

    The airport, thought to be the world’s most lucrative for retail, has committed to a fair-tender process for both international and local retailers seeking spots in its Terminal 1 building. Almost all Terminal 1 duty-free concessions are scheduled to expire in August next year.

    The 12 duty-free concessions at the terminal are now run by seven Korean firms, including general duty-free retailers Lotte, The Shilla, and Shinsegae, although the airport’s management is encouraging foreign participation in the upcoming tender.

    “The door is always open,” said Incheon Airport’s director of concessions planning Dong-ik Shin. “There is no discrimination against any foreign duty-free operators. Our bidding process is very fair and transparent; the whole bidding process is done in public.”

    Incheon Airport is offering a new arrangement for the duty-free concessions that doubles the previous contract length to ten years and adopts a concession fee based on passenger growth rather than the current minimum annual guarantee model (MAG).

    According to Shin, the new 10-year contract makes it “a very significant and nice opportunity” considering the lucrative sales revenues available at IIA.

  • Shiseido launches art installation at Changi Airport

    Shiseido launches art installation at Changi Airport

    Shiseido Travel Retail has teamed up with Jewel Changi Airport and TeamLab to launch an art installation called Sense. Located at ‘Shiseido Forest Valley’ in the mall, the installation engages the senses through sound, smell, sight, and touch.

    “We know that consumers are now looking for stories and brands that can represent their mission in a manner that resonates with their individual narratives,” said Philippe Lesne, President and CEO of Shiseido Travel Retail.

    “Together with our partners, Jewel Changi Airport and TeamLab, we are excited to unveil this immersive experience to take our consumers and travelers from around the world beyond the realms of traditional retail.”

    The installation transforms as visitors progress further into the forest’s depths, honing their sense of sight as lights dance and flicker.

    Composer and musician Yota Morimoto have created a soundtrack especially for the feature, designed to “reignite visitors’ aural senses along with this sensory exploration” and recreate “the breathing sound” of a natural forest.

    A blend of natural elements, as well as Japanese and Western instruments,  create tones aimed at relieving stress and tension.

    As night falls and the resonating forest by TeamLab comes alive, another musical arrangement takes its place, aimed at creating a sense of balance and harmony.

    The ‘Ultimune’ scent, created by Shiseido’s Dr Tomonori Ueda for the installation is also aimed at relieving stress and creating a calming effect.

    To enhance the experience, visitors can interact with their surroundings, by downloading the Jewel Changi Airport app on iTunes or Google Play to access Shiseido’s Sense app.

    After that, they can conclude the experience by a message on the virtual Shiseido Tree.

    “The collaboration with Shiseido and TeamLab will showcase another facet of the unique Jewel experience that is co-curated with our partnership to delight visitors,” said Hung Jean, CEO of Jewel Changi Airport Devt.

  • Naiise Iconic store opens at Changi Airport

    Naiise Iconic store opens at Changi Airport

    A Naiise Iconic store has opened at Jewel Changi Airport. Spanning almost 9500sqft across a two-story space, Naiise Iconic store brings new creative brands and ‘experience stations’ to customers.

    The first one is a tea bar run by homegrown tea marketplace Teapasar, which hosts more than 30 tea brands and 100 types of tea. Customers can get their teas roasted on the spot for the freshest possible brew.

    The airport store – a new concept for the homewares-and-gifts retailer – also hosts Naiise’s first cafe, featuring foods and beverages from local brands. At an ‘open-source’ communal pantry, customers can enjoy Joe & Dough, Bettr Barista, superfood juice maker Doki Doki, or breakfasts from Udders.

    There is also a stationery corner, where customers can design their own notebooks, picking out a cover, selecting a combination of papers, then choosing binding rings and elastic bands.

    On the second floor, there is a section for local fashion and beauty brands, ranging ladies’ and kids’ fashion, accessories, fragrances and grooming. Beauty brand Alche{me} has a mini lab there to help customers find products that work for their unique skin types.

    To support local entrepreneurs, the store introduces Launchpad, an area where brands can display their products and ideas to test customer demand and perception.

  • SK-II brings Future X Smart Store to Singapore

    SK-II brings Future X Smart Store to Singapore

    Japanese beauty brand SK-II has partnered with The Shilla Duty-Free to bring Future X Smart Store to Changi airport. According to SK-II, the smart store merges the latest digital technology with in-store experience to deliver “a convenient and pressure-free shopping experience”.

    “Travellers from all over the world now have the chance to experience the brand’s unique physical retail concept, merging the latest digital technologies with in-store elements to provide travelers with a convenient and pressure-free way to shop for skincare,” the brand said in a statement.

    The store consists of physical features such as the Discovery Bar, smart product scan and ‘Skincare GPS’ that help time-conscious travelers locate, learn about and buy SK-II products in the shortest time possible.

    At the Discovery Bar, consumers will learn more about SK-II’s range of skincare products at the touch of a button.

    The smart product scan tool uses advanced image-recognition technology to help customers locate products quickly. By scanning the SK-II product images they download to their mobile devices, travelers will be directed to the location of their desired product.

    The Skincare GPS facility lights up the location of the product on the store shelf to make it quicker and easier for shoppers to find items.

    The smart store is a part of SK-II’s foray into retail innovation “and the start of a global transformation to connect with a new generation of consumers who are yearning for more meaningful experiences with the brands”, the company said.

    SK-II has launched Future X Smart Stores in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Singapore.

  • Sincere Fine Watches opening in Changi

    Sincere Fine Watches opening in Changi

    Sincere Fine Watches has opened a multi-brand boutique at Jewel Changi Airport.

    The only luxury multi-brand watch store at the newly opened airport shopping center spans 183sqm and was inspired by Jewel’s dome-shaped facade and modern architecture.

    Glass and rose-gold elements are used throughout the boutique, combined with warm-brown hues on the wooden panels and shades of copper to create a welcoming aura.

    The new boutique brings together 20 international labels, some of them relatively new to the market. They include Armin Strom; Baume & Mercier; Blancpain; Bremont; Graham; Hamilton; IWC Schaffhausen; Longines; Maurice Lacroix; Mido; Montblanc; Panerai; Omega; Rado; TAG Heuer; Tissot; and Tudor.

    Sincere Fine Watches plans more brands and timepieces exclusive to the Jewel Changi store soon.

  • DFS launches fourth Whisky Festival

    DFS launches fourth Whisky Festival

    DFS Group has launched the fourth Whisky Festival at Changi Airport, this one with a pop-up bar. Aiming to “demystify the whiskey-making process”, the festival offers a selection of more than 400 whiskeys and many exclusive offers.

    Highlights include Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10, Compass Box No Name, No 2, Glenmorangie Rare Cask 1399, Johnnie Walker Black Triple Cask Edition and Royal Salute 21 Year Old Lost Blend.

    “The Whisky Festival is one of our favorite celebrations at DFS, providing a great opportunity to showcase this wonderful spirit in a fun and engaging way to whiskey connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike,” said Brooke Supernaw, senior VP spirits, wines, tobacco, food and gifts at DFS Group.

    “We are delighted to work with some of the best whiskey makers in the world to bring this event to life again this year in partnership with Changi Airport Group.”

    The pop-up bar, reminiscent of the speakeasy bars of the 1920s Jazz Era, will remain open until June 10. At the bar, travelers can enjoy interactive experiences with whiskey tastings, and vaporizers producing scents from floral all the way to smoky and intense.

    Live performances by jazz singers including Carol Gomez, Ywenna Carolin, and Richard Jackson will feature.

    “We are thrilled to partner with DFS Changi once again and bring the annual Whisky Festival to the next level with a pop-up bar for the first time ever. This 1920s-themed bar with its unique interior and collection of never-before-seen whiskeys will offer travelers a multi-sensorial travel retail experience, in celebration of all things whiskey,” said Teo Chew Hoon, group senior VP, airside concessions, at Changi Airport Group.

    After Singapore, the festival will relocate to seven DFS locations across Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Hawaii.

  • First Asian Samsonite Premium store Coming to The Jewel

    First Asian Samsonite Premium store Coming to The Jewel

    The first Samsonite ultra-premium store in Asia is to open at Jewel Changi.

    The luggage brand is also planning one more outlet at Changi, raising its store network at the airport to five.

    “Every time we come up with something new, something big, we launch it first in Singapore,” Subrata Dutta, president and CEO of Samsonite Asia-Pacific told.

    “This is a new retail concept that further elevates the look and feel of the brand to something more luxurious. At Jewel, we get travel traffic from around the world. When you do something in Singapore, you get noticed by the right people.”

    Samsonite has also opened an American Tourister outlet at Jewel Changi, and will open a store at the revamped Funan mall, scheduled to open in the second half of this year.

  • Tiger Street Lab expands brand from beer to fashion and more

    Tiger Street Lab expands brand from beer to fashion and more

    Tiger creates experiential space. Tiger Beer has unveiled Tiger Street Lab at Singapore’s Jewel Changi – billed as the brand’s first global experiential concept store.

    Tiger Street Lab expands the brand beyond beverages into food, fashion and design, in an ‘open-air’ space overlooking the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at the heart of the new shopping centre.

    “As a brand born and brewed in Singapore, we are excited to debut the Tiger Street Lab concept at Jewel, which we believe is set to become the next Singapore icon,” said Faye Wee, marketing director at Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore.

    “Jewel will be a place where Singapore meets the world and the world will meet Singapore, and we are proud to be one of the local brands that will fly Singapore’s flag high. With Tiger Street Lab, we have created an experience that represents Singapore that locals can be proud of on an international stage, leaving it up to Singapore talents to decide what that should look like,” she said.

    The Tiger Street Lab menu was created in collaboration with local music and F&B group, Timbre and Zi Char mainstay, Keng Eng Kee (KEK) Seafood.

    In addition to the beer and food, visitors can get creative at Tiger Street Lab.

    Featuring interactive touchscreens powered by digital print innovation, customers can select a series of unconventional designs exclusive to Tiger Street Lab to personalise their own beer bottle labels. The customisation station is equipped with on-the-spot printing, enabling visitors to make their picks an instant reality.

    The overall experience will be complemented by contemporary local designs featuring the iconic tiger motif. Recruited via Tiger Beer’s Roar Collective platform, emerging local artists Cyntherea Tan, Esther Goh, Chris Chai, and creative studio Tell Your Children, created artwork to provide an inspirational ambience at the Tiger Street Lab.

    Tiger Street Lab is open daily from 9am to 3am.

  • Marks & Spencer Singapore store opens at Jewel Changi

    Marks & Spencer Singapore store opens at Jewel Changi

    Marks & Spencer Singapore will open its Jewel Changi store this Wednesday.

    The 13,000sqft space offers M&S’s clothing and accessories across womenswear, menswear, lingerie and kidswear.

    The store also features Food Hall which will include nearly 3000 lines of food and drinks, including international award-winning wines.

    Customers can expect a variety of chilled food and drinks including fresh sandwiches, prepared salads, fruit and vegetables, meat and dairy, prepared meals, inspired by world cuisines.

    The new store also features an M&S in-store bakery, selling coffee-to-go and patisserie goods.

    “Our new store at Jewel Changi Airport will combine the best of our clothing collections and high-quality food with an inspiring shopping environment and exceptional customer service, offering a truly special experience,” said Christine Choi, Marks & Spencer Asia CEO.

    A new feature of the Jewel Changi store will be unique name badges for staff which bear ‘Singlish’ taglines such as ‘I am Stylo Milo, ‘I am Tok Kong’, and a few other variations embracing local culture.

    From April 17 to June 11, shoppers can enjoy special offers including lucky draws and free M&S cooler bags.

  • Ecco Store opening at Changi Airport Singapore

    Ecco Store opening at Changi Airport Singapore

    Ecco Singapore is opening its newest store in Southeast Asia at Jewel Changi this Wednesday.

    With a design different to other stores in the Ecco Singapore network, the new outlet was inspired by the brand’s philosophy of ‘natural motion’ as well as the greenery and waterfall environment unique to the Jewel Changi space.

    The shop carries a curated collection of the latest Ecco shoes and accessories for both women and men.

    “Since entering the Singapore market more than a decade ago, we have been blessed with tremendous support from our loyal customers who have come to know Ecco for our craftsmanship and premium quality footwear and leather goods,” said David To, GM for Ecco Shoes Singapore and Malaysia.

    “Ecco’s design philosophy is very much inspired by nature and thereby the natural organic features of Jewel is a perfect fit for us. That is why we have chosen this fresh expression of the Ecco brand for this new store to share a new experience with our local customers and Singapore visitors,” he added.

    Founded in 1963, Ecco now has more than 2200 owned shops and 14,000 sales points in 90 countries. The company achieved record sales of US$1.49 billion last year, and posted the highest profit in its 55-year history.

  • Foot Locker Opens in Jewel Changi Airport, Celebrating Youth and Sneaker Culture

    Foot Locker Opens in Jewel Changi Airport, Celebrating Youth and Sneaker Culture

    Located in Jewel Changi Airport, the two-story space with a dedicated women’s and kids’ area, delivers an engaging retail experience, combining premium products, elevated in-store presentations, as well as enhanced customer experiences.

    With impressive footwear and apparel collections from global brand partners, customers can expect elevated product storytelling from Nike, adidas, Puma, Fila and Champion. The store celebrates basketball culture, offering a premium selection of sneakers and apparel from Nike and Jordan, and features the widest selection of Nike Air Max Plus (TN’s) available in market.

    The store features specially commissioned artwork by local artist Clogtwo, setting the tone for how Foot Locker will regularly tailor the store to the local community.

    To celebrate the launch, Foot Locker hosted a preview event for media. Attendees experienced Xbox gaming, a pop up nail bar and Nike customisation.

    Commenting on the new store, Tomas Petersson, VP and GM, Foot Locker Asia said, “The Jewel store gives Foot Locker a great opportunity to engage and inspire youth culture within the local community. We designed a space that celebrates the city’s creative community and inspires Singapore’ssneaker enthusiasts.”