​Secretary of State for Transport highlights importance of LLA’s expansion in meeting UK aviation needs

Major work begins on terminal redevelopment as part of £110million transformation project

Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin MP has praised the £110m transformation of London Luton Airport (LLA) and the role it will play in meeting the immediate demand for air travel in London, the South East and South Midlands.

McLoughlin’s comments came today as he officially broke ground on the redevelopment of the passenger terminal at LLA. The transformation will increase annual capacity at the airport by 50% from 12 million to 18 million passengers per year by 2020.

The Secretary of State’s comments echoed the Airport’s Commission report which emphasised the need for airports other than Heathrow and Gatwick to increase capacity in the short-medium term.

A recent report by independent consultancy Oxford Economics* showed that the £110m transformation, planned with the support of the Department for Transport, will add £1billion to the UK economy and create an extra 10,000 jobs by 2030.

Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin MP, said: “The transformation of London Luton Airport is adding to the UK’s reputation for world class aviation infrastructure. Not only will its development help to meet demand for aviation but will also create thousands of jobs.”

Once complete in 2020 the investment will not only have increased capacity but also transformed the experience for passengers through:

• A complete redesign of the terminal to create a quick, efficient, friendly and convenient experience.
• Doubling of the existing retail space, introducing new exciting shopping and dining options and a new £1 million executive lounge.
• Double the existing capacity in the security search, immigration and baggage reclaim areas.
• A new multi-storey car park with 1,700 spaces.
• Major transport improvements including the addition of overnight trains from London St Pancras and the introduction of Oyster card services through to the terminal building.
• An expanded range of airlines and routes, including more frequent services to popular cities and anticipated new flights to exciting new destinations such as Dubai, Orlando and Cancún.

Nick Barton, CEO of LLA, commented: “As the Secretary of State made clear, expansion at LLA is strategically vital to ensure that we can meet rapidly rising demand for air travel in the South East over the next 15-20 years. Our £110 million transformation is also set to give a huge boost to the local economy and will create thousands of new jobs for local people.

“Passengers will benefit from a more efficient, friendly and convenient airport. We’re working hard to improve their experience further by seeking to introduce a dedicated new Express rail service with four fast trains per hour and a fixed link to the terminal from Parkway train station.”

Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Borough Council commented: “London Luton Airport continues to go from strength to strength. 2015 was a record year with the number of passengers breaking the 12 million mark for the first time. The Transport Secretary’s visit to break ground on the redevelopment is a great endorsement both of the operating team’s achievements so far and its future ambition.”

At the event LLA also formally announced the appointment of McLaughlin & Harvey as principal contractors on the terminal redevelopment works. In addition, local firm Buckingham Group has won the contract to build a new multi-storey car park at the airport. Another contractor, Whitemountain, is already on site delivering a new bus interchange, improved drop-off facilities and airport road upgrades.

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