THE OPENING OF a new line of duty-free shops at Grantley Adams International Airport on Wednesday is the result of an international joint venture.

Caribbean Airways of Barbados and AerRianta International of Ireland, a subsidiary of Dublin Airport Authority, formed CaribbeanAri Inc. and launched the Runway brand of luggage, cosmetics, clothing, chocolates liquor and tobacco stores.

Deputy chairman of Caribbean Airways, Joyce Dear said the expansion at the airport left them in a good position to take advantage of the additional space.

"A possible partnership was pursued with AerRianta through a visit by two of our directors, Luther Miller and Hutson Linton and our CEO Irvine Griffith after which a joint venture company was locally incorporated to manage and operate the concessions," said Dear.

Director general of AerRianta International Eamon Foley said the partnership with Caribbean Airways was a good marriage, as they brought an international dimension of high quality airport retailing.

"We have retained a lot of what it truly Barbadian in the shopping pavilion," he said.

Co-operation

Meanwhile, chief executive officer of Caribbean Airways Irvine Griffith said a number of people came together to make the shops what they are, including AerRianta's project manager Linda Briton who was onboard nine months.

Of the linkage between the two companies, parliamentary secretary in the ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Rudy Grant said AerRianta fit the image of Barbados and the improved facilities at GAIA presented an opportunity to partner with a world class entity. He officially opened the shops. (WB)