by Ken Quintanilla

GUAM - The Guam international Airport Authority Board of Directors met late this afternoon for a special meeting to discuss the specialty retail concession contract that was awarded to Lotte. Board members moved to discussing the entire matter during executive session as it involved the claims, protests and litigation currently ongoing over the award. Prior to the meeting, airport executive manager Chuck Ada told KUAM he hopes to finally move the matter forward as the contract would significantly improve the airport.

"In addition to the other items they agreed upon in the contract with regards to the restroom facilities and the food courts and the significant capital improvements for the retail concessions alone. So its going to a huge improvement to the airport as we move forward and try to compete in a global market that's going to assist us greatly in doing so" Ada explained.

As we reported, Lotte Duty Free Guam was awarded the contract but DFS has filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court and filed a protest with the public auditor. DFS was already given notice of a transition period and to move out of the airport's Duty Free concession space in the concourse by July 14th.