AAP Alpha Airports

RNS Number:8447J
Alpha Airports Group PLC
03 October 2006


Alpha Airports Group plc

ALPHA AIRPORTS GROUP SIGNS INDIAN JOINT VENTURE


Alpha Airports Group Plc has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form
a Joint Venture with Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited, part of the Future Group
of India.  This contract is part of Alpha's forward strategy in investing in
India to develop travel retail and food and beverage catering businesses at its
leading airports.


There are a considerable number of opportunities within India for this new joint
venture. Over 90% of India's total traffic is through its top 10 airports with
international traffic growing at 15% and domestic traffic growing at 28% last
year.  Alpha and Pantaloon Retail are currently in discussions about the travel
retailing and food and beverage opportunities which exist at Bangalore,
Hyderabad and Delhi airports.  Mumbai airport is expected to issue its requests
for proposals shortly. The government is considering plans for the privatisation
of Chennai and Kolkota airports.


Alpha has operated in India since 2002 with its duty free shops at Cochin
International Airport.  The retail outlets at Cochin generate more than double
the Indian average for spend per passenger (SPP).  Since 1996 Alpha has had
operations in the wider Asian market in Nepal and Sri Lanka.


Pantaloon Retail is the largest retailer in India with over 100 outlets across
India, covering 3.5m sq. ft of retail space and generating over US$ 440 million
in turnover. Pantaloon's retail offerings now encompass, department stores
(Central), Hyper markets (Big Bazaar) home (Home Town, Collection i), fashion
(Pantaloons, Fashion Station), leisure (CO, F123), communications (m bazaar, 
Gen m), electronics (e-zone), food (food bazaar), and health & beauty (Start
Sitara, Tulsi).


Peter Williams, CEO, Alpha Airports Group Plc, stated: "India has the most
exciting passenger growth and airport development worldwide and we are very
pleased to have the largest retail group in India working with us in this
partnership.  This gives us a wonderful opportunity to leverage our strong
position in the Indian Subcontinent."


Rakesh Biyani, Director, Pantaloon Retail said: "Opportunities at Indian
Airports are endless and we are delighted to tie up with Alpha."


Paul Topping, Managing Director, Alpha Asia commented "Alpha has a proven track
record in Asia and we are delighted with what we have achieved in Cochin and
Colombo.  With two specialist companies coming together we are well positioned
to bring the best of global retailing standards to Indian airports and
travellers."


                                                                  3 October 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 has an annual turnover of over
#550m.

Alpha was advised by Mumbai based investment banking firm, Globus Capital
Advisors.


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