Stuart GouldenAn £11 million construction project has begun at Leeds Bradford Airport today.
The next major stage of its passenger terminal development, at a total cost of £28 million, will deliver “best in class” facilities and a significantly improved passenger experience. Often hailed as Yorkshire’s gateway airport, Leeds Bradford international is the 16th busiest airport in the UK and the fastest growing in 2010/2011, serving 2.95 million passengers a year.
John Parkin, Leeds Bradford International Airport’s Chief Executive, called today’s news “an important milestone in the development”, demonstrating their determination to “provide the region with the airport it wants and deserves”.
The terminal development will provide a 65% increase in airside space over two floors, creating a new departure lounge, a new range of upgraded food and beverage offers, a major walk through Tax and Duty Free store and additional retail units. Other improvements include expansion to the boarding gate areas, a new covered walkway to the aircraft, and security search zones. Work is to be completed by Summer 2012.
The airport’s development supports the region’s ambitions to deliver inward investment and boost inbound tourism by providing improved terminal facilities and the ability to attract even more airlines, route and services to Yorkshire.
As the closest international airport to York, the news has been welcomed by the city’s authorities and residents. Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of Visit York, said “Leeds Bradford Airport provides a perfect gateway for overseas visitors coming into York. York receives over 7 million visitors a year, over a million of which are from overseas, so we’re delighted by the news of this investment which will enhance the travel experience for those who choose to come into the region by air. We will continue to work closely with the airport and key airline carriers in order to capitalise on the inbound market opportunities this new investment can bring for the city.”
In a further commitment to the regional economy, Leeds Bradford Airport aims, where feasible, to place sub contracts with local companies and suppliers. The principal construction work is to carried out by Morgan Sindall Ltd Leeds’ office, employing over 100 construction workers at the airport.
Whilst the expansion has been greeted as good news many are still hoping the airport will perform a U-turn on the decision to introduce a £2 drop-off charge in May – something many call an unfair tax on passengers. Despite the protests, there seems to little movement on that decision at the moment.
What do you think about the expansion news? If travelling abroad, which airport do you currently fly from?
