RUNWAY SUCCESS
Emirates set to roll out new bars and cafes at Cairns Airport
THE Cairns Airport is set for a major makeover courtesy of a multi-billion dollar global airline group.
Emirates Leisure Retail, part of the Emirates Group, has been handed a key contract to roll out a number of new bars and cafes in both the domestic and international terminals with the latter in line for a significant overhaul.
The highly regarded Hudsons Coffee brand and a modern kitchen and bar concept were among the new instalments at the international terminal, while there will be indoor and outdoor dining areas constructed at the domestic check-in area.
Menus will focus on local produce.
Works are expected to begin in March.
GLOBAL airport food and beverage operator Emirates Leisure Retail, part of the Emirates Group, has landed a key contract at Cairns Airport and is to roll out new bars and cafes at the domestic and international terminals.
A new bar and cafe will be added to the domestic checkin hall and food and beverage in the international terminal will receive a major overhaul.
Airport chief executive Norris Carter said Emirates Leisure Retail Australia were “renowned”.
“Work is planned to commence in the domestic terminal in March with the new international outlets to follow later in the year,” he said.
Airport retail, transport and property chief commercial officer Tracey Groves said the international terminal outlets would include Hudsons Coffee brand and a modern kitchen and bar concept.
“Food and beverage in the international departures lounge is moving to a new location by the airside windows, featuring great views on to the airport apron, across the runway and beyond to the mountains,” she said.
“Our recent customer insights survey showed that passengers are looking for a more diverse food and beverage selection and that’s what the new outlets will deliver.”
Ms Groves said the checkin areas at the domestic terminal had been served by a kiosk. The new design would include indoor and outdoor areas while there would be a better venue in the arrivals hall of the international terminal.
She said the investment was “substantial”.
The menus would be using local produce and ELR’s executive chef and procurement manager had been in Cairns studying their supply chains, Ms Groves said.
Emirates Leisure Retail Australia operate at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide airports.
ELRA managing director Adam Summerville said the business had high hopes, as “we see good passenger growth in Cairns, especially through the international terminal.”
“The region abounds in fresh produce and we are keen to explore opportunities to include the very best of the local flavours on our menus for people to experience and enjoy.
“Tastes of Tropical North Queensland include seafood, distinctive meats like crocodile and kangaroo as well as local beef and, of course, tropical fruits and vegetables,” Mr Sommerville said. “Added to this are the delights from local brewers, distillers, coffee, tea and chocolate producers.”