TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "Global Airport Services (GAS), the joint venture between BAA-owned World Duty Free and Crossbar Associates set up in April 2005, has moved from a formal relationship to “a more opportunistic one”.

Crossbar, run by experienced industry executives Steve Franklin, Randy Emch and Adrian Murray, had teamed up with World Duty Free, offering what it described as a “compelling alternative” to the traditional tender and concession model. It aimed to provide airports with a “turn-key solution” to establish, control and own their in-house duty free operations by creating partnerships with GAS, in which both sides shared the investment, the upside and the risks.

The recent change of ownership at BAA – acquired by a group led by Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial in June – was only one of the contributing factors to a geared-down relationship, said World Duty Free Managing Director Mark Riches. He commented: “Under our [BAA’s] new owners, Ferrovial, we are refocusing the business on core activities. Regardless of that situation however, we were already discussing with Steve, Adrian and Randy a move to a more opportunistic approach for our relationship.

“The GAS model is something we all believe in and personally I'm convinced that it was a great alternative to the more traditional model. We've had quality conversations with some of the world's most enlightened airport operators - it's just disappointing we didn't secure a contract.

“Steve, Randy and Adrian are true industry experts and have been great fun to work with. Who knows, we could well do business together at some point in the future.' "