Duty free shopping facilities at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández will include enhanced digital and interactive elements following a major renovation of the installations. Work has already begun on the renovation, which covers two smaller commercial areas as well as the main shop located between passenger security control and the departure lounge.
According to national airport operator Aena, “The objective of this initiative is to improve the travellers’ experience through an innovative design and a more attractive commercial offer, in an area that will be 577 square metres larger than the current one.
“The new 2,640 square metre shop will comprise differentiated spaces for perfumery and cosmetics, accessories, international food, local products, liquors and souvenirs, among other items, with the incorporation of new brands and a more modern layout with the strong presence of digital formats.”
During the tender held by Aena at its airports last year, Dufry was the successful bidder for the duty free stores at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, presenting “an offer of high technical quality with a concept of intelligent stores in which the customer can interact physically and digitally, as well as novelties such as animation spaces”.
Divided into three phases to maintain part of the main shop open and minimise the impact on passenger traffic, the refurbishment and expansion work is scheduled to be completed in spring.
The other two duty free shops in the terminal – located in the boarding and arrivals areas – will be refurbished in the last months of the year.
The Alicante-Elche terminal’s excellent duty free options are the centrepiece of a wide range of other shopping facilities at the airport.
“Equality in the Company” Award for Aena
Meanwhile, the Spanish ministry for equality has awarded Aena the “Equality in the Company” (DIE) distinction for its firm commitment in this area. In a news release, Aena noted that the recognition underlined that the airport operator “stands out in a relevant and especially significant way in the application of equal treatment and equal opportunity policies for its workers”.
According to Aena, in the executive management committee of the Ibex35-listed company, women outnumber men (60 per cent) and on the board of directors women account for 50 per cent. The two managing director positions of Aena are occupied by women (airports and commercial, and real estate) and, of the total number of positions of responsibility in Aena (structure), 45 per cent are occupied by women.
In addition, three airports which account for more than 25 per cent of the network’s air traffic are managed by women: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (Laura Navarro) and Ibiza.
“In recent years, the presence of women in Aena has increased considerably, from 32 per cent to 38 per cent. Excluding heavily male-dominated groups, such as the fire and maintenance service, the representation of women at 31 December 2023 was over 50 per cent of the total workforce. This increase is due not only to the progressive incorporation of women into the workforce, but also to the fact that Aena’s selection processes guarantee the principles of equality, publicity, merit and capacity.”
The “Equality in the Company” label is a mark of excellence awarded by the ministry for equality to companies and other entities that stand out in “the development of policies of equality between women and men in the workplace, through the implementation of equality plans and measures in areas such as access to employment and working conditions, including measures of reconciliation and co-responsibility, remuneration policy with a gender approach, inclusive communication, aspects relating to the organisational model, corporate social responsibility, etc.”