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TAV Airports Business Development Director Kaptan said, “We have been interested in Riga as the northern hub of Europe for the last four years since it possesses all of the essential geographical advantages. With increasing passenger numbers despite the global economic crisis, this vision is now a reality and after more than half a year of active presence here, we are glad to open our official representative office”. “We are also happy to share our extensive know-how in ground handling sector with North Hub Services not only in Riga but also in Helsinki and Stockholm through our subsidiary, HAVAŞ, which serves more than 250 airlines in 28 airports,” Kaptan continued.

Standing beside the Latvian and Turkish flags, TAV Airports Holding Chairman Hamdi Akin added proudly: I’m very happy that our office opening is in the same day when passengers of Riga Airport can enjoy their time in the newly opened duty-free store. Therefore, we will do our best to help Riga Airport to become one of the leading airports in Northern Europe by providing our extensive know-how in the airport business, informed BC press service of TAV Airports.

After official office opening, Ministry of Transport State Secretary Matiss stated “Anrijs Matiss, State Secretary of Ministry of Transport of Republic of Latvia after official opening of TAV Latvia representation office emphasizes “We are proud of rapid development of the Riga Airport that shows steady growth of number of passengers. This requires continuous improvement and upgrading of facilities to satisfy highest requirements for the benefit of our clients. As we know the first image for state begins and also ends in airports. It means that airport esthetical view and functionality plays important role creating concept for state. While in world well known airport operator TAV now also as Latvian company TAV Latvia with their know- how for functionality is going to add modern features for Latvia face image at Riga airport we can be convinced that it will be done accordingly to world aviation best practise”.

Cooperation agreement between TAV Airports Holding and SJSC Riga International Airport was signed on 30 September, 2010 for the rent of commercial space and operation of airport’s duty free sales area. Reconstruction of the duty-free commercial spaces started in the beginning of 2011 and due to be completed in mid-summer. New design stores will cover a total of more than 1,300 m². TAV Latvia became the biggest client of Riga Airport with this current commercial area management contract.

Quality duty-free services

Through its subsidiary ATÜ operating in the duty-free sector, TAV’s total investment in the renovation project will total EUR 2 million. Globally recognized brands such as Hugo Boss, Porsche Design and Burberry are among the 40 international brands represented in the new duty-free fashion store. Another store on perfume and cosmetics will be established, where passengers can enjoy the products of more than 80 globally renowned brands, among them Dior, Kanebo, La Prairie, Shiseido, Estee Lauder, L’Oreal and Lancome. Then liquor, tobacco and confectionery store, an integrate F&B premise and a new smoking terrace will follow.

For commercial zone operations, TAV has recruited more than 60 local employees. This number will grow to exceed 100 employees before the end of 2011. Commercial zone design has been developed together with local architect Andris Kronbergs (ARHIS) and Turkish architects.

As of 2011, ATÜ operates in Istanbul Ataturk, Izmir Adnan Menderes and Ankara Esenboğa airports in Turkey as well as Tbilisi and Batumi airports in Georgia; Monastir and Enfidha airports in Tunisia; Skopje and Ohrid airports in Macedonia. In 2010, ATÜ was awarded as the “Most Successful Operator” by Frontier magazine. Furthermore, in 2007 it has received the “Best Store Opening” award organized by Duty Free News International (DFNI) Magazine for its renovations in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. In 2008, it was awarded the “Best Implementation” award at the ACI Airport Business & Trinity Forum. Same year it won the “Best Special Store Concept of the Year” award at the Frontier Awards night, considered as the Oscars of the duty-free industry.

Efficient and punctual ground-handling

TAV Airports subsidiary HAVAŞ Ground Handling Services Co. has become a partner of North Hub Services (NHS) ground handling company through acquisition of 50 % of shares. NHS has been steadily growing ever since with operations in Riga, Helsinki and soon to be in Sweden. NHS currently employs 370 people in Riga and has the vision to be operational in every major airport in the Baltic Sea region with the strong support and extensive know-how of its parent company, HAVAS, a TAV Airports subsidiary. 

TAV Airports

TAV Airports Holding is among the leading airport operators in the world. It operates Istanbul Atatürk, Ankara Esenboga, Izmir Adnan Menderes and Antalya Gazipasa airports in Turkey, Tbilisi and Batumi Airports in Georgia, Monastir and Enfidha Airports in Tunisia, as well as the Skopje and Ohrid Airports in Macedonia. With its subsidiaries, TAV Airports provides fast, accurate, quality services in all areas of airport operations, including duty free sales, food and beverage services, ground handling services, IT and security. In 2010, TAV Airports served 420,000 flights and 48 million passengers globally.