LLA doubles donations in 2017

London Luton Airport (LLA) has contributed over £370,000 to 121 groups in the local community over the last five years. The donations were made through the airport’s Community Trust Fund, which is one way in which LLA provides support for the local community. The Fund provides grants of up to £7,500 to local charities and non-profit organisations making an impact on the social, environmental and economic life of our area.

The Community Trust Fund is just one highlight from LLA’s annual Community Engagement Report, which was published this week. This year’s report marks the culmination of a five-year strategy focused on three areas: building sustainable communities, contributing to economic growth, and protecting the environment.

Building sustainable communities

In addition to funds contributed through the Community Trust Fund, staff at LLA helped raise more than £115,000 for Keech Hospice Care, LLA’s 2016/17 charity partner. Staff took part in a range of activities including a sponsored cycle to Amsterdam and the airport’s first ever “runway run” to raise more than double the initial target of £50,000. The airport’s achievements were recognised by LLA’s nomination as “Best Partnership in the Community” at the National CSR Awards. LLA recently announced that Macmillan Cancer Support has been chosen as the airport’s new charity partner following a competitive public vote.

Contributing to economic growth

Supporting local young people is central to the airport’s community strategy. LLA’s ‘Get into Airports’ scheme, run in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, helps young people develop CV skills and gain work experience in a variety of roles at LLA. Since the programme began in 2011, 83% of the 161 local young people who have taken part have secured full-time employment.

The airport’s role in the local economy is set to grow following the completion of its current £160 million redevelopment programme. Independent analysis has shown that the airport transformation project, once complete, will deliver an additional £1bn every year to the economy and support 37,700 jobs.

Protecting the environment

LLA is always looking for ways to help reduce the airport’s impact on the environment. During 2017 the airport saved approximately 531 times the average household energy consumption. This was achieved through a number of initiatives including the replacement of air handling unit fans which will save 1.3m kWh of electricity annually. An LED lighting replacement programme on the airfield and in the terminal has also saved approximately 560,000 kWh.

As the airport celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2018, it will be publishing a new Responsible Business Strategy which will set out its vision for the next five years while building on the achievements of the previous five.

Nick Barton, CEO of LLA, said: “As the airport transforms and continues to grow we want to make sure the local community also feels the benefits of being home to a successful airport. As our most recent Community Engagement Report shows, local residents and businesses are central to our success, and we are always looking for new ways to give back.

“I am proud of what we have achieved over the past five years and it is fitting that we embark on a new strategy as we enter our eightieth year. I look forward to LLA playing a valuable role in the community for many more years to come.”

Visit our community pages for the full report.