Leeds Bradford Airport
Following the release of its Vision 2030 strategy, Leeds Bradford Airport has signalled plans for significant private sector investment.
Backed by nearly £200 million in private funding, the airport’s Vision 2030 strategy will create up to 5,500 new jobs and contribute up to £1 billion to the local economy as the airport reaches an anticipated seven million passengers a year by 2030. Looking beyond 2030, the airport has its sights on a new purpose-built replacement terminal, a new hotel within walking distance of the airport and the potential growth of specialist air freight.
The strategy marks a new era of travel for the region, according to Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport. “This transformative strategy will play a vital role in facilitating trade links for local businesses, creating thousands of new jobs, and attracting international investment to Yorkshire,” he said.
To accommodate this growth in passenger traffic, plans are afoot to increase terminal floorspace by 38% as well as making investments in the existing airfield to create up to 10 new aircraft stands. Designed for aircraft based overnight at the airport, these stands will attract airline partners to base quieter and more efficient aircraft, as well as provide options to build upon existing networks with new routes. Leeds Bradford has highlighted ambitions to secure more routes to European hub airports with onward connectivity as well as new destinations in the North Atlantic and Middle East.
In line with the airport’s net-zero carbon 2030 strategy, sustainable growth will also be at the core of the airport’s growth, as it plans to minimise its environmental footprint by decarbonising transport links, investing in on-site solar-powered infrastructure and establishing more EV charging facilities.
“Our commitment is bold and ambitious, but we are firm in our stance to build a net-zero carbon future for the airport. With this comprehensive plan in place, we are confident that LBA can continue to play a significant role in improving international connectivity for the region and supporting local economic growth for many years to come,” continued Hodder.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, added: “ Leeds Bradford Airport’s Vision 2030 document clearly states how the airport will improve Yorkshire’s connection to the rest of the world. This substantial private investment will benefit local communities and the wider Yorkshire region, serving as a catalyst for considerable, long-term economic growth.”
