Luton Airport builds on its transformation
The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, the Secretary of State for Transport, officially opened London Luton Airport’s newly-upgraded terminal in December last year, marking the culmination of its three-year transformation project.
Above: Transport Secretary marks completion of London Luton Airport’s £160m transformation.
The £160m redevelopment has been the biggest in the airport’s 80-year history and focused on making passengers’ journeys easier, quicker and more enjoyable, with significant improvements being made in the terminal and to the ways in which people get to and from the airport.
The transformation of the airport will increase its annual capacity by 50% to 18 million passengers by 2020. Since the work began passenger numbers have increased 35%, making London Luton Airport (LLA) London’s fastest growing airport, with more than 16.5 million passengers expected to fly in 2018, an increase of 5% on 2017.
Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “Luton’s investment firmly puts passengers at the heart of development and will improve the experience of those using the airport for business or holidays.
“Supporting thriving airports like Luton will form a part of the Government’s Aviation 2050 consultation, ensuring the benefits of transformation are felt across the local area.”
Nick Barton - who stepped down as CEO of Luton Airport at the end of last year to take up a new professional challenge - said: “2018 has been a milestone year for LLA. We celebrated our 80th anniversary in the summer and now we have completed our three-year transformation which brings a host of benefits to passengers. This is a new era for LLA. We are the fastest-growing major London airport and are now in a position to play an increasingly important role in the UK’s aviation network.”
Alberto Martin (right) - who was the airport’s Planning and Investment Director and has stepped up to take over from Nick as CEO of LLA - successfully delivered LLA’s transformation project and has overseen the preparation and negotiation for Luton Borough Council’s £225m Direct Air-Rail Transit (DART), which will link the airport terminal with Luton Airport Parkway by 2021.
Alberto will lead the airport in delivering passengers a vastly improved travel experience, a stronger local economy and much needed air capacity in the South East. He said: “Building on the strong demand from passengers and the success of our recent terminal transformation, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the team in establishing LLA as the airport of choice for accessible, easy and enjoyable air travel.”
What passengers can now find at LLA:
- 30 new high street and luxury stores, including Hugo Boss, Chanel, which offers an exclusive range at LLA, and Oliver Bonas’ first airport store
- Over 1,000 more seats and free Wi-Fi
- A new boarding pier, with eight additional boarding gates
- An expanded security search area
- A new dual carriageway, bus interchange and multistorey car park.
Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:“Now more than ever, unlocking new aviation capacity to deliver global trade links is critical for a strong UK economy. With London’s airports fast filling up, extra capacity will drive trade and investment, create new jobs and help British businesses thrive at home and abroad. Luton’s new terminal is a vital part of this strategy and will complement expansion schemes at other airports.”
Johan Lundgren, CEO, easyJet, said: “As the largest airline operating to and from London Luton Airport, we are excited that the airport’s transformation will benefit the seven million easyJet customers who use the airport every year. This transformation project was a key factor in our commitment to long term growth at the airport, so it’s great to see its completion.”
Owain Jones, Managing Director Wizz Air UK, said: “London Luton has been the home of Wizz Air in the UK since our very first flight in 2004 and we look forward to welcoming ever-more customers through the new terminal’s doors very soon. Wizz Air now offers 54 low-fare routes from London Luton Airport and, whether travelling for business or pleasure, the new facilities provide a variety of great food and shopping options as well as fast and efficient connections to London and the rest of the UK.”
Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of Luton Council, said: “The operator’s successful transformation programme is another pivotal moment in London Luton Airport’s development. Together with our own investment in the £225 million Luton DART, a world-class passenger experience is being created and setting the bar for how our own airport company wants to take the airport’s growth forward in a responsible way and ensure that everyone can benefit from the economic and social opportunities this will create.”
