WHSmith will open as the new travel essentials retail operator at Sydney Airport, with six major retail outlets to open from August.

Sydney Airport is undergoing a major transformation of the passenger experience in T1 departures.

The new larger format stores within T1 will introduce highly personalised product zones and feature a number of external store in store concepts from major brands.

Glyn Williams, Sydney Airport GM of retail, said the partnership with WHSmith is is a real evolution from the traditional ‘books and news’ operations and introduces a reinvigorated range of must have travel product essentials.

“WHSmith is one of the world’s largest and most successful retail operators of travel essentials and we are looking forward to a successful partnership across the six locations in the T1 terminal.”

Paul Yardley, WHSmith Australia CEO, said WHSmith continues to invest in creating market leading retail experiences.

“This underscores our commitment to the Australian travel retail industry and our growth ambitions in this market.”

The transformation of T1 began in January, with works to be staged over the next year and a half in order for Sydney Airport to create a new world class airport experience.

The upgrades will deliver faster access and improved way finding to airline gates, more seating capacity, wider walkways and enhanced terminal ambience.

Williams added that further announcements on new retail, food and dining partners at T1 will be made over the coming months.