AAP Alpha Airports

RNS Number:5981J
Alpha Airports Group PLC
28 September 2006


               Alpha Airports Group Plc ("Alpha" or "the Group")

             Signs ten-year #800m contract with Manchester Airport


Alpha Airports Group Plc, one of the world's leading independent airport
retailers, has signed a ten-year extension to its ongoing contract with
Manchester Airport. The contract is expected to realise turnover in excess of
#800 million, over the ten years.  It involves the delivery of retail services
in all three of Manchester's terminals, and will involve substantial investment
and a range of innovative and dynamic changes to passenger shopping.

Alpha will provide a unique platform to showcase international brands in
addition to the ever-popular beauty, accessories, tobacco and liquor offerings.
Alpha first started working with Manchester at terminal 1 in the 1970s and then
opened stores in terminals 2 and 3 in 2001 and 2002.

Peter Williams, Chairman and CEO of Alpha Airports Group, said: "This is one of
the largest contracts in the UK airport sector and is a wonderful example of how
a retailer and landlord can work together to create a step-change in the way
services are delivered to consumers. Working together Alpha and Manchester
Airport will set a new agenda for retailing at all airports."

The ten-year contract active from1 April 2006, is for duty and tax free retail
services at terminals 1, 2 and 3 (T1, T2 and T3).  Alpha will make a capital
investment of around #8 million to drive further revenues and turnover at the
airport. A significant proportion of the capital will be invested throughout the
first two years of the contract which will include doubling the retail floor
space at T1 to 22,000 square feet and using innovative design and retailing
methods to grow spend per passenger passing through all the terminals.

Peter Williams added: "We are delighted to continue to work with Manchester
Airport on plans to maximise retail flow and improve customer service.  Travel
retail has undergone significant change over the last ten years and we will be
working together to provide a more sophisticated and targeted offering. There is
a very small time window to engage with the travellers passing through the
terminals, so we must have an experience in place which meets and exceeds their
needs and expectations. Together with Manchester Airport, one of the fastest
growing airports in the UK, we have the opportunity to create the blueprint for
'next generation' travel retail."

Manchester Airport is working on some very innovative and forward thinking
infrastructure designs for the airport. The development work includes the
opening of a new store in T3 in April 2007 and the increase in the retailing
area in T1 which is expected to be completed by April 2008. In addition to this
expenditure Alpha will also be making further investment into the T2 store
through the contract term in order to ensure a premium brand offer for the ever
sophisticated consumer.

Geoff Muirhead CBE, CEO, Manchester Airport Group, said: "This is a significant
and important contract for Manchester Airport as it will reinforce its position
as the hub airport for the north of England. Over the next four years we will
reinvent retail and catering across all three terminals and our relationship
with Alpha is crucial to these plans.  Like us, Alpha has a real passion for
delivering the best possible retail solutions, which will benefit everyone using
the airport."

                                                               28 September 2006

Enquiries:

 Alpha Airports Group Plc                                          020 8580 3200
 Peter Williams, Chairman & Chief Executive                  www.alpha-group.com
 Tim Redburn, Finance Director

 College Hill                                                      020 7457 2020
 Kate Pope/Mark Garraway


Notes to editors

Alpha Airports Group Plc is one of the world's leading aviation support services
companies, providing retailing and catering services for airlines and airports.
Alpha's 6,900 staff service over 100 airlines worldwide and operate from over
200 outlets at 83 airports in 15 countries.

Alpha Retail offers purpose-designed retail and catering services for airports.
Alpha Airport Shopping and Alpha Tax and Duty Free provide a range of consumer
brands at value prices to 21 airports across the UK, Europe, USA and Asia.
World News (confectionery, tobacco and news), Glorious Britain (destination
merchandise) and Zinq (accessories) are specialist stores operating at 25
airports in the UK, Europe and USA.  Alpha Retail offers restaurant, cafe and
bar services at 22 airports in the UK, Europe and Middle East.




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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