The duty-free liquor store at Shannon Airport in Ireland dates back to 1972. Aer Rianta International (ARI), a global travel retailer, recently celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by welcoming key members of Ireland’s political elite at various ARI stores worldwide. ARI has a presence in multiple markets such as Canada, Cyprus, India, Oman, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Ireland.
During the annual week of celebrations for the Irish diaspora leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, politicians visited ARI stores abroad. Green attire and shamrocks were prominent in cities like London and New York during the St. Patrick’s Day parades.
ARI, the retail arm of state-owned daa (Dublin Airport Authority), hosted VIPs at different locations. Tánaiste Micheál Martin visited Montreal Duty Free in Canada, Simon Coveney traveled to Delhi Duty Free in India, and Seán Ó Fearghaíl was welcomed at Portugal Duty Free in Lisbon.
Ray Hernan, CEO of ARI, expressed delight in the company's growth and success, highlighting ARI's pioneering role in duty-free retailing since opening the first duty-free shop at Shannon Airport in 1947. ARI now operates in 27 cities across 13 countries and is a leading international travel retailer in the Middle East.
ARI's revenue has been on the rise, with a 49% increase in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year. The company's legacy includes developing the first duty-free operation at Dubai Airport in the early 1980s, with former ARI executive Colm McLoughlin now serving as CEO of Dubai Duty Free.
ARI has expanded its reach, launching a new store at Edmonton Airport in Canada and opening futurist stores at Abu Dhabi’s Terminal A. These new stores offer a range of products including beauty, jewelry, and sunglasses, featuring international and local brands.
