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In a long-awaited development in the U.S., Congress passed a new long-term bi-partisan funding bill for the Federal Aviation Administration last Wednesday, ensuring the agency’s continued operation for the next five years. The Senate had “overwhelmingly” approved the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act to reauthorize the FAA and the NTSB for five years on May 9th. The previous five-year funding bill expired on Sept. 30, and Congress has been supporting the agency with short-term measures in the interim. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the legislation into law without delay. See more details on page 1.
Building on a “transformative 2023,” Avolta delivers strong organic growth of 8.6% in Q1 2024 and confirms positive outlook for the full year. Pages 1 & 4. The latest DFWC KPI Monitor, produced for the Duty Free World Council by m1nd-set, reports that impulse purchases and in-store interaction are on the rise; and analyzes healthy air traffic recovery. Page 2.
REGIONAL AVIATION & TOURISM
Miami International Airport starts 2024 with record growth and an A+ bond rating. Page 3.
JetBlue expands Puerto Rico air service and adds new Caribbean destinations. Page 3.
Antigua Cruise Port celebrates 500,000 passengers YTD. Page 3.
Curaçao welcomes surging visitor numbers, with “milestone” number of arrivals from the U.S. Page 3.
CRUISE RETAIL
Carnival Cruise Line and Starboard deliver inaugural season merchandise and wide variety of retail offerings onboard Carnival Firenze. Page 5.
BEAUTY AT THE POINT OF SALE
Tairo International’s Luxury Division launches Kylie Cosmetics and Cosmic Kylie Jenner fragrance in the Caribbean with 2-day event at Maggy’s Aruba. Page 6.
Jo Malone London names Tom Hardy ambassador for Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense. Page 6.
SUPPLIERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
John Thorsell’s InterGlob Services finds travel retail winners. Page 7.
William Grant & Sons launches Hudson Whiskey – “the Official Bourbon of the Mets” – with DFS at JFK Terminal 4. Page 8.
