Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) has launched its Strategic Vision to 2030 outlining how it plans to grow operations and bring further benefits, including increased employment through non-aviation development, for Liverpool city and the surrounding region.
One of the UK’s major regional airports, LJLA plays an integral role both as an international gateway and as a major driver of the local economy. Already a large local employer both in its own right and through its supply chain, the airport facilitates trade and business links throughout the region by providing access to international markets and supporting inbound travel.
Referencing that it’s the ‘faster, easier, friendlier’ airport of choice for passengers from across the region, Robert Hough, LJLA chairman, said: “We cannot afford to stand still in what remains a very challenging economic and competitive environment, which is why we have set out our strategic vision for the airport going forward in order to deliver continued success.”
Despite a challenging environment, the airport has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with passenger numbers increasing 25% since 2014.
More than 5 million passengers a year now choose to fly to and from Liverpool and with forecasts indicating that the airport has the potential to grow passenger numbers to 7.8 million by 2030, LJLA has revealed ambitious plans to serve more destinations to its network including long-haul routes.
The airport also has extensive plans to expand the terminal building and improve passenger facilities including car parking, hotels and retail offerings, as well as extend the runway. The renovations, however, come with an impressive price tag, requiring a planned investment of around £100 million over the next 10 years.
New airport CEO, John Irving, stated that “prior to joining the airport company I was well aware of Liverpool’s recent success story and the excellent reputation it has within the aviation industry.
“The Peel Group’s continued investment in the airport has seen Liverpool become one of the UK’s stand-out, regional airports. By working with stakeholders from across the region to implement our latest strategic vision, there is every reason to believe that by building on our success, this growth can continue, bringing tremendous economic benefits for the city region, the North West and beyond.”
