Sharjah-based Kreol Trading, which was awarded the duty free at Kochi Airport for 10 years earlier this year, is eyeing more outlets in Indian airports.

The Airports Authority of India will shortly float fresh tenders on new locations for duty free shops at different international airports.

The Indian government is encouraging private sector participation in various sections of airport management.

It is in the process of bringing in private operators with international partners in various sectors, especially ground handling, cargo management and airport retailing.

Airport retailing has been the monopoly of the state-run India Tourism Development Corp.

The new tendering will make room for new players in airport retailing, and international passengers will have a wider choice of goods at duty free shops.

"We are waiting for the authorities to float tenders for new locations in some of the existing airports in India where the government wants private sector participation in duty free operations," said A.S. Lal, chief executive of Kreol Trading.

"We expect the tender to be floated shortly, much before the end of this year, and hope to win contracts for other airports in Kerala. The government's decision to allow more private operators will enable us to bring in international expertise through our joint venture partners and offer improved products and services to NRIs."

Alpha Kreol India Pvt., a 50:50 venture of Kreol, was awarded the management and retail supply contract for duty free shops at Nedumbassery, near Kochi in Kerala. The three duty-free outlets were operational from May, 2002, and the initial contract is for ten years.

The partners have pumped in $2.2 million for the project. The facility is split into two sections.

The duty-free at the arrival lounge is spread over a 6,432 square feet, while the departure lounge has a 4,000 square feet facility, in addition to a 270 square feet shop at the last check out point at the terminal.