Autogrill enters Qatar and steps up its operations in the United Arab Emirates

Through HMSHost International, Autogrill (Milan: AGL IM) is continuing to expand in Middle Eastern airports by entering Qatar, at the capital Doha’s new Hamad international airport, and extending its operations at the international airport of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. These airports are located in a strategic area of continual development.

At Abu Dhabi Airport, hub of flag airline Etihad Airways, the Group is strengthening its presence, having opened its first six points of sale two years ago and later added another two. HMSHost International, again in a joint venture with Emirates Capital, has in fact won a contract for 11 points of sale forming part of the foodservice offering in the new terminal now under construction. These points of sale are scheduled to open by the end of 2017. The value of these contracts is nearly €164m over an average of seven and a half years depending on the duration of the agreements.

In Qatar, at Hamad Airport, hub of flag airline Qatar Airways, HMSHost International will operate, in a joint venture with Emirates Capital[1], four points of sale that will open in the second half of 2016, with estimated total revenues in excess of €80m over the 7-year contract term.

 “This new partnership in Qatar with one of the fastest growing airports in the Gulf region and the agreement for 11 new points of sale at Abu Dhabi with one of our strategic partners represent a significant step forward in our growth strategy for the dynamic, fast growing Middle East market,” commented HMSHost International CEO Walter Seib.