FUEL giant Emo has said it is planning to open several new forecourts in the north as part of major expansions plans.
The first ever unmanned Emo Express fuel forecourt on the island of Ireland will open for business tomorrow at Belfast International Airport and company has already confirmed the system is the first of several it is planning to open in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The eight-pump facility will operate 24/7 at the new £3.5 million forecourt and retail development beside Park and Fly on Airport Road.
The fully automated forecourt means drivers pre-select the amount of fuel they want to buy, pay with their credit, debit or fuel card and then fill up without stepping away from their vehicles.
Richard Irvine, business development manager for Emo said it is an exciting development.
“The investment at Belfast International Airport is in line with our strategy to have a network of unmanned 24/7 forecourts across the island of Ireland. We already lead the market in this sector with our Great Gas sister brand in the Republic of Ireland.”
Canice Mallaghan from developers, Moorefield Contracts said the Emo Express deal is an "outstanding coup".
"The 24/7 forecourt will be an outstanding success. Emo will operate alongside the M&S anchor outlet, coffee chain, Insomnia Coffee Company, Burger King, Subway and Chopstix.
“Passenger growth at the airport and clear consumer demand are driving this private investment. We spotted a huge gap in the market and had no hesitation in stepping up to the mark. Growth at the airport was the main ‘driver’ but we also recognised that there was no modern, all-in-one facility at the airport for people who live in the general area.”
Belfast International Airport managing director, Graham Keddie added that "further exciting investments" are on the cards.
