Luton Airport unveils logistics hub

Image courtesy LLA 

The new facility is part of a transformational £11.5 million refurbishment programme that will see the two remaining vacant hangars repurposed to accommodate an easyJet apprenticeship training campus for aspiring engineers and aircraft engineering and maintenance facilities.

Once complete, the refurbishment programme is expected to create up to 150 new jobs.

The new consolidation centre will provide LLA with a smoother, more efficient logistical approach to receive and process hundreds of thousands of retail goods delivered to the airport each year.

The facility will enable the consolidation of deliveries from multiple suppliers to over 50 shops and restaurants across the airport terminal. The consolidated deliveries will be made using lower carbon HVO powered vehicles and are expected to reduce vehicle movements and emissions across the airport campus.

Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer at London Luton Airport, commented: “The launch of this new consolidation centre demonstrates London Luton Airport’s commitment to supporting our local economy and creating new employment opportunities for people in our neighbouring communities. 

"The investment is also a fantastic example of our collaborative relationship with the airport owner Luton Rising and how we can work together to deliver tangible benefits for local people and the growing network of local businesses that make up our supply chain. The facility provides the airport with an even more efficient, resilient and scalable platform to receive and consolidate thousands of goods, from soap to sauces, on behalf of the growing number of shops and restaurants that our passengers can now enjoy across the terminal.”

The centre will be operated by GXO Logistics, the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, which brings extensive experience in complex logistics environments, including airport consolidation, warehouse management and sustainable transport operations.

Martin Cooper, Managing Director, Technology and Consumer Goods at GXO UK and Ireland, commented: “This new consolidation centre is a great addition to London Luton Airport’s operation and a project we’re delighted to be part of. Consolidation centres like this simplify and streamline the supply chain for everyone involved – from suppliers through to the shops and restaurants serving LLA’s passengers. 

"For almost two decades, we’ve operated in complex logistics environments, including airport consolidation – and we’re looking forward to bringing that experience to LLA, streamlining its delivery process and making it more efficient, automated and secure.”

Construction of the consolidation centre was successfully completed by Neville Special Projects and AREA.

London Luton Airport (LLA) is one of the UK’s busiest airports, operated by a consortium, of which the majority shareholder is AENA, the world’s largest airport operator and InfraBridge, an infrastructure investment manager. Airlines include Jet2, easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Tui, FlyOne, Sun Express and El Al.